Story perspectives

House Passes E15 Bill Amid GOP Split, Soy Farmers Warned

5/15/2026

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Republicans Split

The vote revealed a sharp split within the Republican conference, pitting Corn Belt lawmakers against oil-state representatives.
The House passed the standalone E15 bill 218-203, with 95 Democrats joining Republicans to approve year-round ethanol sales.
The American Soybean Association warned refinery exemptions could cut net farm income for soybean producers.
University of Missouri researchers projected corn up 14 cents per bushel by 2035, with gains.

Right

House Approves E15

Iowa agriculture leaders hailed the House’s approval of year-round E15 gasoline sales as a long-awaited victory.
The U.S. House passed legislation permitting year-round E15 gasoline sales by a 218-203 vote and forwarded it to the Senate.
Monte Shaw thanked Representatives Randy Feenstra, Ashley Hinson, Mariannette Miller-Meeks and Zach Nunn for support.
Chuck Grassley praised the measure as a major step for family farmers and national security.

History

Historical Context

President George W. Bush signed the Energy Independence and Security Act on December 19, 2007, setting a 15 % renewable-fuel target for 2022 and a 15 % renewable-electricity requirement by 2020. The DOE later projected a 13 billion-gallon annual ethanol need. The House’s 218-203 vote to allow year-round E15 revives that push, pitting Iowa’s corn-belt lawmakers against oil-state reps and the American Soybean Association.

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Republicans Split

The vote revealed a sharp split within the Republican conference, pitting Corn Belt lawmakers against oil-state representatives.
The House passed the standalone E15 bill 218-203, with 95 Democrats joining Republicans to approve year-round ethanol sales.
The American Soybean Association warned refinery exemptions could cut net farm income for soybean producers.
University of Missouri researchers projected corn up 14 cents per bushel by 2035, with gains.

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