WASHINGTON — Supporters of year-round sales of E15 gasoline are making another push in Congress, though the proposal continues to face significant challenges before it can become law.
Advocates are working to attach E15 legislation to a larger must-pass bill as a way to move the measure through the narrowly divided U.S. Senate. The proposal would allow gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol to be sold nationwide throughout the year, eliminating seasonal restrictions that currently limit sales in many parts of the country.
The effort has gained strong backing from corn growers, ethanol producers and agricultural groups, which argue that expanded E15 sales would increase demand for corn, support rural economies and provide consumers with an additional fuel option.
At the same time, industry groups are negotiating possible concessions for fuel refiners in hopes of broadening support and preventing opposition that could stall the legislation.
“This is a complicated, unwieldy process that is very unpredictable,” an industry executive familiar with the discussions told Reuters. “Any change needed to gain support from one group risks losing support from another.”
The push highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing the interests of ethanol producers, farmers, refiners and fuel distributors while seeking enough votes for passage in Congress.
If lawmakers ultimately approve the measure, it would be sent to President Donald Trump for his signature.
Year-round E15 sales have been a long-standing priority for the ethanol industry and farm organizations, particularly in Midwest states where corn production plays a major role in the economy. Supporters say the change would provide greater certainty for fuel retailers and consumers, while opponents have raised concerns about regulatory and market impacts.
For now, the proposal's future remains uncertain as congressional leaders continue negotiations over broader legislation that could serve as a vehicle for the E15 provision.