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Ethanol producers and corn growers back $10M retailer rebate to expand E15 access, say consumers save at pump
Summary
Growers and ethanol producers urged the Senate to keep a $10 million one‑time rebate program in the budget to incentivize retailers to offer E15, arguing increased retail access can lower pump prices for consumers and support local corn demand.
Representatives from Growmark, the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association, POET/Ohio Ethanol Producers and local cooperatives told the Senate committee they support a $10 million one‑time rebate to encourage retailers to offer E15 at pump islands.
Tad Nicholson of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association and Regis Cherry of the Ohio Ethanol Producers Association described the House‑passed budget provision authorizing a Department of Agriculture grant program that would rebate retailers (witnesses described a 5¢ per gallon incentive structure) for new sales of E15 and to offset equipment conversion costs. Witnesses said E15 is approved for the majority of vehicles on the road and that wider access has produced average consumer savings of about 25¢ per gallon compared with E10 in other markets.
They asked the Senate to retain the rebate program as a limited, time‑bound incentive to reduce pump prices, increase ethanol demand and expand rural economic activity by supporting Ohio ethanol plants.
Ending: Committee will review the House language in context of budget tradeoffs; proponents argued the rebate is a small, targeted way to expand consumer choice and farm incomes.
