An amendment to the Farm Bill that would allow permanent, year-round nationwide sales of E15 has recently been introduced by House lawmakers—a move that could deliver cheaper gas for drivers while fueling new demand for American-grown ethanol.
The proposal, advanced by the House Rural Domestic Energy Council and led by Rep. Michelle Fischbach (R-MN-07), would eliminate seasonal restrictions that currently limit E15 sales during the summer months in most of the country. By applying the same gasoline volatility standards used for E10 — the standard 10 percent ethanol blend — the measure would permit uninterrupted sales of E15, which contains 15 percent ethanol.
Supporters, including biofuels and agricultural groups, say the change would provide relief for consumers facing elevated gasoline prices while opening new markets for U.S. corn growers and ethanol producers.
“This landmark, bipartisan solution for year-round E15 would unlock new options at the pump, saving consumers up to 30 cents per gallon and expanding markets for America’s farmers,” said Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy. “With the summer driving season approaching fast, this amendment represents a critical opportunity to unleash investment in rural communities and shield U.S. consumers from volatility with lower-cost, American-made fuel. We urge the House to support this amendment and send it to the President, who has promised to sign year-round E15 into law without delay.”
The Renewable Fuels Association also endorsed the measure, calling it a long-sought legislative fix. Geoff Cooper, the group’s president and chief executive, said the amendment reflects months of negotiations among lawmakers and industry stakeholders.
“This amendment would permanently allow for year-round, nationwide sales of lower-cost E15 at a time when American consumers are facing high gas prices and our nation’s farmers are in desperate need of new market opportunities,” Cooper said. He added that the proposal “strikes the right balance” among agricultural, refining, biofuels and retail interests.
In addition to lifting seasonal restrictions, the amendment would streamline requirements for fuel marketers to demonstrate that infrastructure is compatible with E15 and would make targeted changes to the small refinery exemption program under the Renewable Fuel Standard, a federal policy that mandates blending renewable fuels into the nation’s fuel supply.
The push comes amid renewed attention on domestic energy production and fuel affordability. Earlier this year, President Trump called on Congress to quickly pass legislation allowing year-round E15 sales and send it to his desk for signature.
If approved, the measure would mark a significant shift in U.S. fuel policy, potentially expanding the availability of ethanol blends across the country while reinforcing ties between the energy and agricultural sectors.
Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA-15), who serves as Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, says he’s pushing Congressional leaders to bring the Farm Bill to House floor for a full vote before May 1st. Meanwhile, the House Committee on Rules announced it could meet the week of Monday, April 27 to provide floor consideration of the Farm Bill.
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