The E15 fuel measure was removed from the Farm Bill following debates, but advocates are hoping for another chance when Congress returns from recess on May 12. The legislation to allow year-round, nationwide sales of E15 is now advancing as a standalone bill and could be reintegrated into the larger Farm Bill if it passes the House.
The issue matters because E15 represents a significant policy change for both agriculture and energy sectors. Advocates say its passage would boost corn demand, benefit farmers economically, and provide environmental advantages. Industry leaders remain optimistic about the legislative schedule ahead.
Troy Bredenkamp, Senior Vice President of Government & Public Affairs for the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), said: “I believe we will get our vote on the E15 measure on May 13. So things are still on track.” Despite momentum, some farmers remain cautious due to previous failed attempts. Brent Johnson, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau, said: “I mean, we get it right to the edge and then and then off it goes again. So, it’s been extremely frustrating.”
A compromise was reached by an E15 task force that includes refining and ethanol interests. The deal allows exemptions for small refiners under certain conditions regarding blending obligations in the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS). Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of RFA explained: “If you can prove to EPA that you are at imminent risk of closure, and you can make that disclosure publicly, and you can show that the reason that you’re at risk of closure is the RFS itself, then you can have access to a capped amount of exempted volume.” An additional provision offers emergency support for other small refineries.
Supporters believe these changes will help secure bipartisan backing. Bredenkamp said: “We are probably three to one, almost four to one support versus opposed to the E15 measure. We have over 60, almost 70 Democrats that are in support…” He estimates shifting from E10 to E15 within five years could increase ethanol demand by seven billion gallons—requiring more than two billion additional bushels of corn.
Farmers like Tim Recker see benefits beyond economics: “E15 with the kind of production that we have…it’s time to get it done.” Johnson added: “To…help increase production lower fuel costs for every consumer out there…and really start to take care of ourselves more domestically when it comes to our fuels…”
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