Ricketts Discusses Biofuels and Year-Round Nationwide E15 with Secretary Zeldin

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, during an Environment and Public Works Committee hearing with Administrator of the EPA Lee Zeldin, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed the importance of biofuels to Nebraskan farmers and reaffirmed the use of sound science and risk-based analysis in regulatory action. Ricketts underscored the value nationwide, year-round E15 offers for consumers, farmers, and the environment.

“I know that everybody here knows that I love this committee because we get to talk about biofuels, so that’s what we’re going to do for a little bit here,” said Ricketts. “Supporting biofuels is consistent with President Trump’s mandate to unleash American energy. Year-round, nationwide E15 sales are a no-brainer in my humble opinion. It’s affordable, drives farm profits, and lessens energy reliance on adversaries.”

Watch the hearing HERE.

Ricketts’ comments were made in a hearing of the Committee on Environment and Public Works entitled: “The U.S. Environmental protection Agency’s Proposed Fiscal Year 2026 Budget.” The witness was Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin.

BACKGROUND:

Ricketts is co-leading bipartisan Congressional Review Act legislation to block the Biden EV mandate. He recently introduced the bipartisan Renewable Fuels for Ocean-Going Vessels Act to expand the use of biofuels on ships and has led bipartisan resolutions designating May as Renewable Fuels Montheach of the last two years. Senator Ricketts is also supporting Senator Deb Fischer’s bill to make the year-round sale of E15 permanent across the country.