The U.S. House has passed a bill to scrap an EPA rule and allow E-15 to be sold year-round in every state. Fourth District Congressman Randy Feenstra, a Republican from Hull who’s running for governor, says expanded nationwide use of gasoline with a higher blend of ethanol will boost the corn market. Third District Congressman Zach Nunn, a Republican from Ankeny, says the move will help Americans struggling with gas prices because E-15 is cheaper. E-15 has been authorized for use in vehicles manufactured after mid-2001, but an EPA regulation says E-15 should not be sold during the summer due to smog concerns. First District Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks, a Republican from Ottumwa, says it’s time to remove that outdated rule since the EPA has been waiving the rule for part or all of the country since 2011. Second District Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Marion, a Republican who’s running for the U.S. Senate, says after years of uncertainty, it was time for Congress to act. The bill passed the House on a 218-203 vote. Democrats say Iowa’s congressional delegation isn’t leveling with voters about the bill’s chances in the Senate, where it faces stiff opposition from oil-state senators.
