Groups representing ethanol producers, farm organizations and fuel retailers have appealed to Congress to clear the way for gasoline blends containing 15% ethanol to be sold year-round nationwide, arguing the change could ease the burden of sustained high pump prices that have surfaced since the outbreak of the war in Iran.
The coalition is backing an amendment to the omnibus Farm Bill that would allow, but would not mandate, retail outlets to offer E15 - gasoline blended with 15% ethanol - on a year-round basis. Currently, E15 is commonly restricted during summer months because of smog-related regulatory limits, although recent emergency measures have temporarily suspended those limits to help reduce retail gasoline costs that have climbed above $4 a gallon.
The amendment was submitted to the House Committee on Rules by a group of more than 20 lawmakers, led by Representative Michelle Fischbach, a Republican from Minnesota. The committee is scheduled to take up the provision next week as part of deliberations over the Farm Bill, the sweeping agricultural legislation that is typically advanced every five years.
Regulators at the Environmental Protection Agency have used emergency waivers to permit E15 sales since late March. Supporters point to the combination of rising wholesale futures and tight physical supplies as reasons motorists could continue to face higher prices in coming weeks. Retail gasoline in the United States surpassed $4 a gallon in early April and, as of Friday, the average nationwide price was $4.06 per gallon.
One rationale for promoting E15 is cost: ethanol generally trades at a lower price than petroleum blendstock, making E15 typically less expensive than conventional gasoline at the pump. In a letter sent to congressional members on Thursday, a group of organizations including the American Petroleum Institute, the National Association of Convenience Stores and the National Corn Growers Association said keeping E15 available year-round would "empower consumers at the pump with more options, particularly during periods of tight supply and high fuel costs, while allowing refiners and retailers to meet the demands of the market."
"Maintaining access to E15 year-round empowers consumers at the pump with more options, particularly during periods of tight supply and high fuel costs, while allowing refiners and retailers to meet the demands of the market," the organizations wrote.
President Donald Trump has previously indicated he supports year-round E15 sales and said he would sign legislation authorizing them without delay. Jake Barron, communications director at biofuels group Growth Energy, estimated that allowing E15 sales throughout the year could save consumers up to 30 cents a gallon.
Opposition has come from segments of the refining industry. Groups such as the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers have objected to the proposal, citing additional compliance costs that they say would result from broader E15 availability.
The push for expanded E15 access comes as global energy markets face supply pressures tied to geopolitical events. Prices have climbed steadily amid what supporters describe as a global supply crunch caused by Iran's effective blockade of the crucial Strait of Hormuz following U.S.-Israeli strikes on that nation. In response to rising oil and gasoline costs, the White House has taken several steps intended to contain economic fallout, including a large release of U.S. emergency crude stockpiles and the extension of a 90-day shipping waiver meant to ease transport of oil, fuel and fertilizer.
As lawmakers prepare to consider the Farm Bill amendment, the debate centers on whether expanded consumer access to a lower-cost ethanol blend can meaningfully relieve fuel price pressure without imposing undue costs on refiners and compliance burdens on the industry. The outcome will affect consumers at the pump, ethanol producers, corn growers, convenience-store operators and segments of the refining sector.
Summary
Industry and farm groups are urging Congress to permit the sale of E15 gasoline nationwide year-round through an amendment to the Farm Bill. Supporters argue the move would expand consumer choice and could lower pump prices amid a sustained rise in gasoline costs tied to geopolitical disruptions; refiners counter that broader E15 availability would raise compliance costs.