Momentum continues to build around a legislative solution for nationwide access to year-round E15.
Iowa and Nebraska have passed E15 standards and are working on implementation. Montana approved E15, becoming the 49th state to allow its use. Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) volatility waiver opt-outs are poised to go into effect for a number of Midwest states on June 1, 2025, ensuring year-round E15 in those markets.
Infrastructure for higher blends has been expanding through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Higher Blends Infrastructure Program (HBIIP). According to a recent press release, Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, facilitated 54% of grant applications for the last five rounds of HBIIP, resulting in 1,173 sites adding higher bioethanol-blended fuels. This momentum is building energy and a growing coalition of stakeholders pursuing a year-round solution for E15 in Washington, D.C.
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The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (H.R. 9885) was introduced in the House on September 27 by Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (D-MN), along with Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), among others, in a bipartisan show of support.
The lead co-sponsors commented via press release: “At a time when agricultural producers are struggling, uncertainty in the energy market is looming, and consumers are paying more at the pumps, the United States cannot afford to leave any opportunity to boost energy production on the table,” said Rep. Smith. “Since I first introduced similar legislation, I have been pushing EPA to allow the uninterrupted sale of E15. Flexibility and greater consumer choice strengthens the U.S. fuel market, and Nebraska's farmers have the capacity to meet demand. I thank Rep. Craig, Sen. Fischer, and my House colleagues for their cooperation to unlock this sustainable fuel source and provide relief for hard-working Americans at the fuel pump.”
“Homegrown biofuels are tools we have right now to address climate change, strengthen our nation’s energy infrastructure, and lower costs for Americans at the gas pump,” said Rep. Craig. “This bill is the kind of commonsense legislation we need more of in Washington, and I’m proud to be a part of the bipartisan coalition fighting for year-round E15 in the House.”
H.R. 9885, which would extend the RVP volatility waiver, allowing for the year-round, nationwide sale of bioethanol blends up to 15 percent, is companion legislation to S.2707, introduced in July 2023 by Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE), Shelley Moore Capito (R-WV), and Tammy Baldwin (D-MN).
In response to the bill’s introduction in the House, Sen. Fischer said, “E15 supports our farmers, is cleaner for the environment, and lowers the price of gas. Our bipartisan legislation is the only permanent, nationwide solution to unleashing the power of year-round E15. It’s why we’ve been able to bring together a diverse group of stakeholders from the oil/gas, biofuel, ag, and transportation sectors to support our legislation. I am confident that a path forward exists in both the Senate and the House and look forward to working with Congressman Smith to ensure our bill becomes law.”
Nationwide access to E15 is more important than ever. Allowing for its use year-round enhances our domestic energy security, saves consumers money at the pump, provides a cleaner, lower-carbon fuel option, and creates demand for corn at a time when our local farmers are struggling with prices at or below the cost of production.
POET Government Affairs remains steadfastly committed to working with our biofuel champions in both the Senate and the House to pass a solution for year-round, nationwide E15 into law.
