ITHACA, NY (607NewsNow) – Congressman Josh Riley is touting a new gas bill.
Riley says the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (H.R. 1346) could save drivers more than 40 cents a gallon at the pump.
It would allow the year-round sale of a more affordable blend of ethanol and gas called E-15 in all 50 states. Currently, the blend is not permitted for sale during the summer, except in a handful of Midwest states.
“Gas prices are up more than $1.50 a gallon over the last year, and Upstate New Yorkers feel it every time they drive to work, pick up their kids from school, and head to the grocery store,” said Riley. “Folks need real relief – not someday, not eventually, but now. This bill is a win for every driver in Upstate New York, and I’m proud to get it done.”
If passed, the bill would also help New York farmers.
“Today marks an important day for agriculture with the passage of year-round E15 in the House,” said New York Farm Bureau President David Fisher. “This legislation not will only save consumers $0.10 to $0.30 per gallon at the pump, but it will also support farmers by providing an expanded market for corn growers. The sale of E15 year-round is expected to increase demand for corn by up to 2.4 billion bushels per year for farmers across the country, while reducing CO2 emissions by more than 17.62 million per year – the equivalent of taking nearly 4 million cars off the road.”
Co-sponsored by Riley, the bill passed the House on May 13. It’s been referred to the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.
