A group of 59 food, livestock and other groups have written the administration opposing any increase in the current cap on the amount of ethanol permitted to be blended in gasoline. The groups said they opposed any effort to raise the blend until “independent and comprehensive testing has been completed that indicates that such mid-level ethanol blends (whether E12, E15 or E20) will not pose a risk to gasoline-powered engines, to public health, to the environment and to consumers.”

Meanwhile, Rep. Joe Crowley (D-NY) plans to introduce the “Affordable Food and Fuel for America Act.” It would phase out the 54¢ tariff for imported ethanol, as well as the ethanol blender's tax credit, over a five-year period.