SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Pritzker administration says Congress must pass a plan this month to permanently allow the yearlong sale of E15 gasoline. Roughly 3,000 gas stations across the Midwest carry E15, but state leaders argue it could help the entire country.

Gov. JB Pritzker wrote a letter to congressional leaders Thursday stressing year-round E15 sales could increase the need for ethanol, broaden domestic markets for corn and support Illinois farmers.

"When you look at fertilizer prices and fuel prices going up, all of those things are negatively impacting farmers who are trying to grow crops and make a profit," said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello.

The Trump administration temporarily waived restrictions on the fuel last week to combat rising gas prices, but Costello told WAND News farmers need long-term solutions. He said this legislation could bring on demand for another 1.5 billion bushels of corn and 4.5 billion gallons of ethanol sold.

"At the end of the day, farmers are businessmen and women," Costello said. "They need stability and certainty. With the tariff policies that are in place and with the war in Iran, it has honestly been a yo-yo effect for somebody trying to plan a business."

The Illinois Fuel and Retail Association said long-term clarity and stability in the E15 marketplace is the best outcome for consumers, businesses and farmers. CEO Nate Harris said the patchwork of temporary waivers from Washington led to uncertainty and price increases.

Harris also noted those price increases are felt throughout the economy at the grocery store, delivery services and gas pump.

"Whatever is transported, from food to clothes across the gamut, all the prices go up when fuel prices go up," Costello said.

Six members of the Illinois congressional delegation are cosponsors of the year-round E15 plan. Costello said this bill must gain even more bipartisan support. 

The U.S. House of Representatives is scheduled to return from spring break on Monday.

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