Stable E15 policy strengthens fuel markets and supports farm communities
Farmers and ranchers continue to face rising costs, weak commodity prices, and international competition that affects their ability to earn a stable income. To support rural communities, several policy areas are being reviewed, including trade, biofuels, transparent markets, interstate commerce, and expanding opportunities for U.S.-grown products. One of the most important near-term opportunities lies in strengthening biofuel markets, starting with permanent year-round E15 authorization.
Ethanol plays an essential role in both energy security and farm profitability. For more than 20 years, ethanol has helped reduce fuel costs, support American-made energy, and provide a reliable market for U.S. corn. Today, ethanol uses about one-third of total U.S. corn production. Many states already use higher blends such as E15 and E85, but nationwide adoption remains limited due to seasonal restrictions on E15 sales.
Under current rules, E15 cannot be sold during the summer months in many areas because of outdated fuel volatility regulations. Although the Environmental Protection Agency has issued temporary waivers each year, this uncertainty discourages fuel retailers from investing in E15 infrastructure. Meanwhile, gasoline consumption is expected to decline as vehicles become more efficient and electric vehicles expand, putting pressure on long-term ethanol demand.
A permanent national E15 policy offers a clear solution. Studies show that even a 1% increase in the national ethanol blend rate would add over 1.3 billion gallons of ethanol demand. Moving from E10 to E15 could create demand for nearly 2.4 billion additional bushels of corn each year. Pending legislation, such as the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, aims to make year-round E15 available in all states.
For consumers, E15 is typically 10 to 30 cents per gallon cheaper and provides higher octane for better engine performance. It also lowers emissions compared to regular gasoline. Other countries already use higher blends, including Brazil with up to 30% ethanol and India targeting E20 by 2025.
Year-round E15 authorization would support farmers, strengthen the biofuel industry, lower fuel prices, and improve U.S. energy independence. It provides a simple, effective pathway to protect and grow future ethanol demand.
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