By Marshall Griffin, KWMU
Jefferson City, MO – A State House committee conducted a hearing today on a bill that would repeal Missouri's ethanol mandate.
A 2006 law requires most Missouri gasoline to be blended with 10% ethanol whenever E-10 is cheaper than regular gas.
Those supporting the repeal say E-10 production is contributing to higher feed prices for livestock growers.
Jim Kleffner, a cattle farmer from Maries County, testified in favor of the bill before the House Transportation Committee.
"I don't begrudge the corn farmers for getting a decent price, but in order to stay in business, the livestock people need to have a fair price," Kleffner said.
But opponents say repealing the E-10 mandate won't lower the price of corn, but instead would harm the state's economy.
Mike Geske, President of the Missouri Corn Growers Association, testified against the bill.
"Repealing Missouri's renewable fuel standard will increase the likelihood that the ethanol will be manufactured somewhere besides Missouri...the price of corn is set by global factors, not by the infinitesimal effect of ethanol use in Missouri," Geske said.
The House Transportation Committee chose not to vote on the proposed repeal today.
Committee Chair Neal St. Onge (R, Ballwin) says they may wait until a separate hearing is conducted on the use of bio-diesel fuel.