GMA: E15 Waiver Decision Disappointing, Unfortunate for Consumers

WASHINGTON, DC – The Grocery Manufacturers Association (GMA) today issued the following response to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia’s decision to dismiss a petition brought by a broad array of stakeholders challenging the Environmental Protection Agency’s granting of a waiver for E15 fuel. The waiver allows for a 50 percent increase in the amount of ethanol blended into gasoline for use in cars and other engines. The court’s split decision to dismiss the petition on procedural grounds instead of the merits of the case is disappointing and unfortunate for consumers. The decision clears the way for the continuation of misguided food–to-fuel policies at a time when Americans can least afford it. What’s more, the decision comes in the midst of the most devastating drought the U.S. has experienced in the last 50 years, increasing demand for a crop that is already in extremely short supply. While GMA member companies are committed to delivering safe, nutritious food to consumers at affordable prices, consumers will feel the effects of these higher input costs at retail.