House Passes Year-Round E15 Fuel Bill Amid Rising Gas Prices

On May 13 2026 the U.S. House passed H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, 218-203 (122 Republicans, 95 Democrats, 1 independent for; 90 Republicans, 113 Democrats against). Speaker Mike Johnson and Majority Leader Steve Scalise opposed; Majority Whip Tom Emmer supported. The bill makes permanent EPA’s temporary waivers that limit the 15 % ethanol-gasoline blend E15 to winter, ending Clean Air Act’s summer restriction.

Ethanol Breakthrough: House Passes Year-Round E15 Bill After Years of Debate

Backers include the Agricultural Retailers Association, National Corn Growers Association and the American Farm Bureau Federation. Sponsors such as Rep. Zach Nunn (IA) and Rep. Julie Fedorchak (ND) led the effort. Opposition includes oil-state Republicans, the Freedom Caucus and the American Soybean Association, which warns that refinery-exemption provisions could hurt soybean growers. Industry estimates put E15 about $0.25 per gallon cheaper than E10, saving $0.10-$0.30 per gallon. The ARA forecasts 2.4 billion bushels of corn demand annually.

Capital Press

Proponents say cheaper fuel eases household budgets and ethanol demand will support corn prices for farmers under tight margins. The EPA permits E15 in light-duty vehicles model-year 2001 and newer; motorcycles, heavy-duty engines and off-road equipment are excluded. Critics note ethanol’s lower energy density may increase fuel consumption per mile.

Newsweek

House leaders called the measure “a win for farmers, consumers and American energy independence.” NCGA called it “essential to the success of corn farmers and rural communities.” ASA supports E15 but warns that refinery-exemption language could offset soybean benefits. Rep. Scott Perry (PA) urged a motion to recommit, calling it a “Trojan horse,” while Rep. Chip Roy (TX) called it “a gift to the ethanol lobby.”

Ag Groups React To Passage Of Year Round E15

A University of Missouri study projects modest corn-farmer gains of about $0.14 per bushel by 2035, while ASA-cited CBO and FAPRI analyses predict reduced net income for soybean growers. NCGA and Growth Energy contend the overall farm-income boost outweighs sectoral losses.

Ethanol Breakthrough: House Passes Year-Round E15 Bill After Years of Debate

• “Today is a major victory for Iowa farmers, consumers and American energy independence,” — Rep. Zach Nunn (IA)

New York Times

• “Year-round E15 is a win for North Dakota farmers, ethanol producers, American energy security, and families looking for more affordable options at the pump.” — Rep. Julie Fedorchak (ND)

Year-round E15: House passes bill to bolster ethanol usage amid rising fuel costs

• “Opponents have slammed E15 as a gift to the ethanol lobby.” — Rep. Chip Roy (TX)

The Hill

• “While no one has a crystal ball, several independent analyses have concluded these provisions would more than offset the E15 benefits,” — Soybean Association statement

Capital Press

The measure now heads to the Senate, where it must clear a 60-vote filibuster. Senators such as Chuck Grassley (IA) have voiced support, while Democratic senators remain skeptical. President Donald Trump has signaled he would sign the bill without delay. Senate action will decide whether year-round E15 becomes a permanent feature of the U.S. fuel market.

Des Moines Register