Ohio Corn & Wheat Calls for the Passage of House Bill 324 Ethanol Legislation

November 11, 2024, DELAWARE, Ohio – Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association (OCWGA), along with Growth Energy and the Ohio Ethanol Producers Association call on the Ohio General Assembly to pass legislation to unlock access to E15, and provides bigger savings at gas pumps across the state.

The bill known as House Bill 324 has been approved by the Ohio House of Representatives, but still awaits action by the Ohio Senate Ways and Means committee.? When passed, House Bill 324 will provide a limited time, 5 cent per gallon nonrefundable tax incentive to fuel retailers across the state for each gallon of E15 fuel they sell.

“Grown and made here in Ohio, E15 is a reliable high-octane corn biofuel that saves money, grows markets for Ohio corn, and makes us more energy independent,” commented Tadd Nicholson, Executive Director of Ohio Corn & Wheat. “Providing greater access to E15 helps corn growers, and provides relief at the gas pump for consumers feeling the pressure of high prices and inflation. I urge the Ohio General Assembly to pass House Bill 324 immediately.”

E15 is the most tested fuel in history and has recorded over 120 billion miles driven on American roads. The U.S. EPA has certified E15 to be safely used in 96% of all vehicles, manufactured after 2001.? In addition, E15 fuel on average is less expensive per gallon than regular unleaded fuel.

“Ohio drivers deserve more options when it comes to fueling their vehicles. Last year, Americans saved an average of 22 cents per gallon with E15 compared to E10. By expanding access to E15, this bill supports Ohio’s agricultural economy, reduces our dependence on foreign oil, and unlocks real savings for Ohioans,” said Ken Miceli, President of the Ohio Ethanol Producers Association.

Ohio is home to seven ethanol plants that utilize 32% of Ohio’s corn crop, supporting more than 19,700 jobs and 21,000 Ohio farms. Ohio bioprocessing not only creates biofuel, but also produces 2 million tons of animal feed and beverage quality CO2.

"House Bill 324 will drive demand for an additional nearly 70 million bushels of corn while saving Ohio drivers at the pump,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “Incentivizing higher biofuel blends like E15 benefits farmers and ethanol producers, but it also lowers costs for Ohio families and supports independent fuel retailers. We applaud the House for advancing this bill and urge the Ohio Senate to take action on this commonsense measure to score a win for Ohio agriculture and American energy security before the end of the year."

About Ohio Corn & Wheat

Ohio Corn & Wheat works to create opportunities for long-term Ohio corn and small grain grower profitability and houses two checkoffs and one membership-based organization.?The Ohio Corn Checkoff and Ohio Small Grains Checkoff?work to develop and expand markets, fund research, and provide education about corn and wheat, respectively. The Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association is a membership organization advocating for supportive public policy on behalf of its farmer members. For more information, visit?OhioCornAndWheat.org.

About Growth Energy

Growth Energy is the leading voice of America’s biofuel industry. Our members operate and support biomanufacturing facilities at the heart of America’s bioeconomy, delivering a new generation of plant-based energy and climate solutions. For more information, visit us at GrowthEnergy.org, follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @GrowthEnergy, or connect with us on Facebook.

About Ohio Ethanol Producer Association

The Ohio Ethanol Producers Association serves as a strong, industry voice of advocacy for the expansion of ethanol production, greater access to the marketplace, and increased use and acceptance in Ohio and the United States.? For more information, visit ohethanol.com