Lawmakers are advocating for more E15 sales once more. The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act was presented on Friday by a bipartisan group of House Representatives, led by Representatives Angie Craig (D-Minn.) and Adrian Smith (R-Neb.).Congress

Along with thirty other co-sponsors, Reps. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D., Nikki Budzinski, D-Ill., Mariannette Miller-Meeks, R-Iowa, and Sharice Davids, D-Kan, joined them. Their bill would permit the sale of ethanol blends up to 15% countrywide, year-round. It is a companion measure to Senate legislation that Senator Deb Fischer had previously obstructed.

Rep. Smith spearheaded previous initiatives to increase E15 sales. According to him, the United States cannot afford to miss any opportunities to increase energy output at a time when consumers are paying more at the pump, agricultural producers are having difficulty, and the energy market is unpredictable.

The U.S. fuel market is strengthened by flexibility and increased consumer choice, and Nebraskan farmers are able to supply demand, according to Smith. “Together with Sen. Fischer, Rep. Craig, and my House colleagues, we have unlocked this sustainable fuel source and are bringing relief to hardworking Americans at the gas pump.”

Sales of E15 are currently prohibited during the summer months by laws because of heightened air pollution concerns. Supporters of ethanol claim that more recent data indicates these worries are exaggerated.

The Biden administration has permitted summer sales with “emergency” permits during the previous few years. However, proponents of ethanol contend that the uncertainty resulting from last-minute waivers impedes the expansion of the sector. Additionally, refiners state that they require more assurance on the gasoline mixes that they can manufacture all year round.

A group of governors from Midwestern states successfully petitioned the EPA earlier this year to permit E15 year-round use in their areas. To their dismay, the new regulations won’t be implemented until the following year. Additionally, the regulations only apply to certain states.

Representative Budzinski asserts that producers and consumers require greater clarity. She believes that the most recent legislation will at last offer that.

“Higher biofuel blends help folks save money at the pump, lessen our reliance on foreign oil, lower carbon emissions, and support vital markets for family farmers in Illinois,” according to Budzinski. “I’m honored to serve as a representative for my constituents in one of the top corn-producing areas in the country and to promote the production of biofuels, particularly as a co-leader of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act.

Industry associations support the bill

It should come as no surprise that trade associations along the ethanol supply chain praised the legislation proposal. Harold Wolle, president of the National Corn Growers Association, says there is a lot of concern for corn growers over the current state of E15. He argues that rising summertime gas costs are caused in part by uncertainty.

“By eliminating unnecessary restrictions on the sale of ethanol, especially in the summer, this legislation would help us further reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower gas prices at the pump, and support corn growers by providing a steady market for ethanol,” the lawmaker claims.

The American Coalition for Ethanol mirrored those views. The law was referred to as “critically important legislation” by CEO Brian Jennings. He promised to keep collaborating with lawmakers who support the bill and see to it that it is passed.

President of the Renewable Fuels Association Geoff Cooper agreed as well, pointing out that a “commonsense approach” has been embraced by ethanol producers, oil refiners, fuel dealers, equipment makers, and farmers.

Although there appears to be increasing support for E15 all year round, Congress has a deadline to complete its work. Congressmen won’t be in Washington until mid-November. They have a few weeks from now to pass a new agriculture bill, negotiate a new National Defense Authorization Act, and prevent a government shutdown. It’s unclear if year-round E15 will be included in their plans.

Legislators will have to start over and present fresh legislation in the upcoming Congressional session if the bills aren’t passed this year.