House Passes Bill to Authorize Year-Round Sales of E15 Biofuel Blend

The legislation received support from 122 Republicans, 95 Democrats and one independent for a final vote of 218-203. House Republicans had spent weeks in internal discussions over the measure, which pits lawmakers from corn-producing states against those concerned about expanding a federal mandate.

The bill would permit nationwide year-round sales of E15, an ethanol-gasoline fuel blend that is primarily sold in the Midwest where corn used to make ethanol is widely produced. Federal law currently restricts E15 sales during summer months to reduce smog formation, though the Environmental Protection Agency has issued waivers for the requirement each year and some states maintain permanent waivers.

A lead sponsor from a corn-producing state said nationwide year-round E15 sales would provide immediate relief to consumers by lowering costs at the pump. The sponsor cited potential savings of up to 52 cents per gallon in the sponsor's district at a time when families face high energy prices.

Opponents described the bill as a backdoor expansion of the Renewable Fuel Standard, the federal policy that requires a minimum volume of renewable fuels to replace fossil fuels in the nation's fuel supply. They said the measure would harm small refiners unable to afford compliance costs associated with the standard.

Refiners and importers of gasoline or diesel fuel obtain compliance credits under the Renewable Fuel Standard either by producing biofuel blends or purchasing credits from third parties. Those compliance costs are passed on to consumers at an estimated 30 cents per gallon, according to the bill's opponents.