The House of Representatives is expected to vote as soon as May 13 on a bill to permanently authorize nationwide summer E15 sales.
According to Majority Leader Steve Scalise’s online schedule, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 is one of several bills set to be considered this week.
That bipartisan legislation, sponsored by Reps. Nikki Budzinski, D-Ill., and Adrian Smith, R-Neb., among others, is the latest attempt to codify year-round E15 into law.
Lawmakers attempted to include year-round E15 in a December 2024 farmer assistance package. The provision was nixed at the last minute as part of a compromise to get farmer assistance passed before the congressional session ended.
In January, ethanol opponents defeated an effort to include summer E15 legislation in a government funding bill. Then in April, House lawmakers attempted to add year-round E15 to farm bill legislation. After opponents threatened to torpedo the entire bill, lawmakers agreed to remove E15 from the farm bill and hold a separate vote in May.
Summer E15 remains illegal in large swaths of the country due to concerns over increased air pollution in warmer weather. E15 supporters say new data shows fuel with higher ethanol content does not significantly impact air quality compared to those based on fossil fuels. Opposition from refiners, particularly smaller ones, have also thwarted previous summer E15 efforts.
Endless temporary waivers
ln lieu of nationwide legislation, EPA has repeatedly issued temporary waivers allowing E15 sales during summer. Several Midwest states received a permanent waiver to sell the fuel at their request. Still, according to ethanol proponents, the lack of a permanent solution has prevented more fuel suppliers from investing in E15 infrastructure.
According to Budzinski, farmers cannot plan their futures around temporary rules. This, she said, means consumers lose access to cheaper fuel.
“We’ve been close here before. In fact, it feels like every other year we get right up to the goal line, and every year politics delays, or dysfunction gets in the way,” she said May 12 at a Capitol Hill press conference hosted by the National Corn Growers Association. “Today, we are here to say enough is enough. Enough of the excuses, enough kicking this can down the road. The time for permanent nationwide year-round E15 is now.”
How will E15 help farmers?
According to USDA projections, corn production is outpacing demand. At the same time, gas prices are soaring due to the ongoing Iran conflict. Expanded usage of E15 during summer has the potential to not only lower fuel prices but also help farmers in difficult economic times.
During his remarks at the NCGA press conference, Smith noted that 97% of vehicles on the road today can use E15. He emphasized that no retailers will be forced to sell the fuel and that refiners were consulted throughout the bill-crafting process. Current infrastructure is “broadly compatible” with E15, he said, and the proposed bill directs EPA to “modernize” labeling requirements and “streamline” equipment capability regulations, making it easier for suppliers to begin selling E15.
“This debate comes down to a simple question: Do we want more affordable fuel, stronger energy independence and expanded markets for American agriculture? Or do we want to continue allowing uncertainty and politics to stand in the way?” Smith asked. “I believe the answer is clear: Nationwide E15 is not only good for consumers; it’s good for American producers. Literally, it’s a win-win-win situation.”
Broad support within ag
President Donald Trump and Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins have both called for year-round E15 legislation. Major farm groups — including the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Corn Growers Association, the National Farmers Union and the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture — have all publicly called for summer E15 sales.
Still, it remains unclear whether the legislation has enough support to pass the House. If it does, the summer E15 battle would then move to the Senate.