Growth Energy Statement on Election of Sen. Thune as Majority Leader

Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), the next Senate majority leader, pictured (right) with Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor (left) and Growth Energy Chairman Tom Willis.

WASHINGTON, D.C.  - Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor issued the following statement upon the election of Senator John Thune (R-S.D.) as the next Senate majority leader:

"With Sen. Thune as majority leader, American biofuel producers and their farm partners will have one of their strongest champions setting the Senate's legislative agenda. We commend the Senate for elevating him to this position, and we look forward to building on the Majority Leader-elect's track record for supporting growth, investment, and innovation in the American renewable fuels industry."

Background

Sen. Thune has been a steadfast champion for the biofuels industry. Most recently, he won one of Growth Energy's 2024 Fueling Growth Awards, "in recognition for [his] valuable service supporting American biofuels." In a social media post acknowledging the award, Thune said "homegrown biofuels support American energy security, a cleaner and more affordable option for consumers, and a critical market for our farmers." Thune has also sponsored or co-sponsored important legislation to support the renewable fuels industry, including S. 2707, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would allow for the nationwide, year-round sale of E15, a blend of gasoline and 15% American-made bioethanol.

About E15

E15 is a fuel blend made of gasoline and 15% bioethanol. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approvedits use in all cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) made in model year 2001 and newer-representing more than 96% of all vehicles on the road today. E15 can be found at over 3,700 gas stations in 31 states and is legal for sale in every state except California. Last summer drivers saved 10 to 30 cents per gallon by filling up with E15 compared to regular, or E10. In some areas, E15 saved drivers as much as a dollar per gallon at the pump.

Learn more about E15 here.

About Growth Energy
Growth Energy is the leading voice of America's biofuel industry. Our members operate and support biomanufacturing facilities at the heart of America's bioeconomy, delivering a new generation of plant-based energy and climate solutions. For more information, visit us at GrowthEnergy.org, follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @GrowthEnergy, or connect with us on Facebook.