Rock Island Today

WASHINGTON, DC – On April 28, 2023 , Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), a member of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, applauded the decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to put in the waiver to expand the sale of E15. This measure is a significant step to support corn farmers and lower costs for working families across the state. 

"This decision by the EPA is a game-changer for Illinois working families and Illinois’ corn industry," said Sorensen. “By expanding the sale of E15, we can lower gas prices, support our corn farmers, and grow our economy in Central and Northwestern Illinois. I was proud to help lead this effort in Congress, and I want to thank the EPA for acting swiftly to support families and our farming communities." 

Sorensen has led efforts in Congress to expand the sale of E15, urging Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack during a House Agriculture Committee hearing to allow nationwide sales of E15 this summer. In addition, Sorensen urged the EPA to consider Department of Energy forecasts of new oilseed crush capacity, increasing the volumes the EPA has proposed for advanced biofuels.

Sorensen co-led introduction of H.R. 2434, Next Generation Fuels Act, which promotes low-carbon, high-octane fuels, to lower emissions, improve vehicle efficiency, and performance. E15 is gasoline blended with 10.5% to 15% ethanol. 

Congressman Eric Sorensen is the first openly LGBTQ person elected to represent Illinois at the federal level and is a member of the New Democrat Coalition. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal.

Original source can be found here.