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.

One opponent stated that if higher ethanol blends were competitive on their own merits, they would not require federal blending mandates, compliance credit schemes, subsidies or special regulatory carveouts. Opponents also argued the bill would reduce the number of small refiners able to obtain exemptions from the Renewable Fuel Standard under a revised process.

Lawmakers from corn-producing states championed the bill as a means to expand consumer fuel options while supporting farmers. They projected the measure would increase demand for corn by more than 2 million bushels per year. One supporter from a corn-producing state said that at a time when American families are sensitive to energy prices and farmers face tight margins, policymakers should promote stability, expand opportunity and support domestic production.

Supporters added that the bill would bring more market certainty, which could encourage broader adoption of the fuel. An opponent from a state where E15 is already available year-round in some areas said consumer demand remains low. The lawmaker noted that less than 14 percent of fueling stations in Iowa sell E15 despite the state's substantial corn production.

The legislation reflects ongoing congressional debate over the Renewable Fuel Standard, a policy first enacted to promote domestic renewable fuel production and reduce reliance on imported oil.