Senators Vote No To Corn-Based Ethanol Amendments

Source: By Spencer Schubert, NBC Nebraska • Posted: Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Nebraska ethanol producers can breathe easy now, after senators shot down a pair of amendments to the Federal Renewable Fuels Standard.

The Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs Committee heard the proposal, which would have dramatically reduced corn-based ethanol’s contribution to the U.S. fuel supply, and voted 15-7 in opposition to the amendments.

In Nebraska, the vote was received with celebration by those who followed the discussion closely.

“The amendments were defeated thanks in large part to Nebraska Sen. Ben Sasse,” Association of Nebraska Ethanol Producers Executive Director Loran Schmit said. “On behalf of the Nebraska ethanol producers, corn growers and consumers a strong thank you goes out to Sen. Sasse.”

“When Congress enacted the Renewable Fuels Standard, it did so with the goal of stabilizing and expanding the biofuels market,” said Todd Sneller, Nebraska Ethanol Board administrator. “The committee rejected a proposed amendment that would have undermined investment, created uncertainty in the market and caused unnecessary economic turmoil.”

|