The Nebraska Corn Growers Association (NeCGA) and Nebraska Corn Board (NCB) are incredibly frustrated that Congress continues to delay year-round E15. The Rural Domestic Energy Council, which was established to bring an E15 compromise forward, has missed two critical deadlines: an initial report due February 15 and draft legislation due on February 25.

“Farmers have waited long enough,” said NeCGA board president, Michael Dibbern, a farmer from Cairo, Nebraska. “Congress can no longer sideline us.  It is time to prioritize the current economic situation in farm country and for consumers and pass legislation for year-round E15. The President stated he would sign year-round E15 once it reaches his desk. Speaker Johnson, get it there.”

Nebraska’s Congressional delegation deserves credit for keeping year-round E15 in the conversation. However, escalating conflict involving Iran is driving higher fuel prices, affecting both growers and consumers.

“The conflict in Iran not only impacts fuel prices for growers, but for consumers filling up as well,” Dibbern added. “Year-round E15 would offer a lower-cost, domestically produced alternative at the pump, providing immediate relief for everyone.”

“As stewards of Nebraska corn checkoff funds, the Nebraska Corn Board is committed to aggressively expanding demand for our producers,” said Brandon Hunnicutt, chairman of NCB and farmer from Giltner, Nebraska. “Year-round E15 is not just an opportunity, it’s a proven, immediate solution. It could dramatically increase corn utilization, strengthen rural economies, deliver real savings to consumers, reduce reliance on foreign oil and bolster national energy security at a time of global instability, rising prices and negative farm economics.”

The time for excuses is over. Congress must act swiftly to finalize and pass year-round E15 legislation. Farmers, consumers and American energy independence depend on it.