Blab Politics
Trump Urges Congress to Make E15 Fuel Year-Round, RFA Welcomes Push
President Donald Trump has again pressed Congress to codify permanent, year‑round access to the lower‑cost E15 fuel blend, and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) issued a statement on Tuesday thanking him for the push. The request follows a supplemental funding proposal from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) that includes a line item calling for a “fix that codifies the permanent, year‑round sale of E‑15.”
E15 is a gasoline blend that contains 15 percent ethanol—typically produced from U.S. corn—and 85 percent gasoline. CBS News reports that the blend has historically sold at a discount of 10–40 cents per gallon compared with regular gasoline, with recent averages of about 25 cents per gallon and, in some markets, savings of 60–80 cents.
In May, the House of Representatives passed the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (H.R. 1346), which would allow E15 to be sold all year. The bill was approved by a 218‑to‑203 vote—122 Republicans, 95 Democrats and one independent—and the RFA called the measure a “long‑sought victory for corn growers and biofuel advocates.” The Senate has yet to take action.
RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said the organization is “very grateful for his continued leadership on this important issue.” He added that the President’s support “helps Americans save money with each fill‑up, while also strengthening the farm economy and bolstering U.S. energy security.” Cooper noted that the House had already acted on the President’s request and urged the Senate to move quickly.
The OMB’s supplemental request was signed by Director Russell Vought, who was appointed by Trump in February 2025. The request states that codifying year‑round E15 “would expand consumer choice, support domestic fuel production, and provide additional flexibility in fuel markets.” It is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address rising gasoline prices, which the administration attributes in part to the war in Iran.
E15 is already available in many parts of the country, but its use is limited by infrastructure. Most fuel stations do not have pumps certified to dispense the blend, and many vehicles are not equipped to run on higher ethanol content. The EPA has issued a waiver allowing E15 to be sold only for cars and light pickup trucks with a model year of 2001 or later. The waiver authorizes, but does not require, stations to offer the blend.
The political significance of year‑round E15 extends beyond consumer savings. The ethanol industry argues that expanding the blend supports domestic crop production, creates jobs in rural areas, and reduces dependence on imported oil. Critics point to potential fuel‑economy penalties, as flex‑fuel vehicles typically experience a 4–5 percent drop in miles per gallon when running on E15 compared with pure gasoline.
The next step for the legislation is a Senate vote. According to reports, the Senate is expected to consider the bill in the coming weeks, though the exact timing has not been set. If passed, the law would make E15 available at all gasoline pumps that meet the necessary certification requirements.
At present, the House has already enacted the measure, and the Trump administration has reiterated its support through OMB funding requests and public statements. The Senate’s action will determine whether the blend becomes a permanent, year‑round option for consumers.
The RFA’s statement and the OMB request underscore the administration’s focus on fuel policy as part of a broader strategy to keep gasoline prices down. Whether the Senate follows suit remains to be seen, but the current momentum suggests that the debate over E15 will continue to occupy a prominent place on the legislative agenda.
E15 is a gasoline blend that contains 15 percent ethanol—typically produced from U.S. corn—and 85 percent gasoline. CBS News reports that the blend has historically sold at a discount of 10–40 cents per gallon compared with regular gasoline, with recent averages of about 25 cents per gallon and, in some markets, savings of 60–80 cents.
In May, the House of Representatives passed the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (H.R. 1346), which would allow E15 to be sold all year. The bill was approved by a 218‑to‑203 vote—122 Republicans, 95 Democrats and one independent—and the RFA called the measure a “long‑sought victory for corn growers and biofuel advocates.” The Senate has yet to take action.
RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said the organization is “very grateful for his continued leadership on this important issue.” He added that the President’s support “helps Americans save money with each fill‑up, while also strengthening the farm economy and bolstering U.S. energy security.” Cooper noted that the House had already acted on the President’s request and urged the Senate to move quickly.
The OMB’s supplemental request was signed by Director Russell Vought, who was appointed by Trump in February 2025. The request states that codifying year‑round E15 “would expand consumer choice, support domestic fuel production, and provide additional flexibility in fuel markets.” It is part of a broader effort by the Trump administration to address rising gasoline prices, which the administration attributes in part to the war in Iran.
E15 is already available in many parts of the country, but its use is limited by infrastructure. Most fuel stations do not have pumps certified to dispense the blend, and many vehicles are not equipped to run on higher ethanol content. The EPA has issued a waiver allowing E15 to be sold only for cars and light pickup trucks with a model year of 2001 or later. The waiver authorizes, but does not require, stations to offer the blend.
The political significance of year‑round E15 extends beyond consumer savings. The ethanol industry argues that expanding the blend supports domestic crop production, creates jobs in rural areas, and reduces dependence on imported oil. Critics point to potential fuel‑economy penalties, as flex‑fuel vehicles typically experience a 4–5 percent drop in miles per gallon when running on E15 compared with pure gasoline.
The next step for the legislation is a Senate vote. According to reports, the Senate is expected to consider the bill in the coming weeks, though the exact timing has not been set. If passed, the law would make E15 available at all gasoline pumps that meet the necessary certification requirements.
At present, the House has already enacted the measure, and the Trump administration has reiterated its support through OMB funding requests and public statements. The Senate’s action will determine whether the blend becomes a permanent, year‑round option for consumers.
The RFA’s statement and the OMB request underscore the administration’s focus on fuel policy as part of a broader strategy to keep gasoline prices down. Whether the Senate follows suit remains to be seen, but the current momentum suggests that the debate over E15 will continue to occupy a prominent place on the legislative agenda.
