WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The House vote to allow year-round E15 sales gives corn, sorghum, and ethanol supporters a major policy win, but the bill still has work ahead. The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, passed Wednesday by a 218-203 vote, now moves to the Senate.
The bill would allow year-round, nationwide sales of fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol by removing the seasonal restriction tied to summer fuel volatility rules. Supporters say that would expand domestic demand for corn and sorghum while giving drivers another lower-cost fuel option.
E15 is already sold at more than 4,800 stations in 36 states and is approved for model year 2001 and newer cars, pickups, SUVs, and vans. It is not approved for use on motorcycles, boats, lawnmowers, chainsaws, or other non-road equipment.
The debate is more complicated for soybeans and refiners. The bill includes changes to small-refinery exemptions tied to Renewable Fuel Standard compliance. Small refiners say relief is needed to manage compliance costs, while the American Soybean Association says permanent exemptions could reduce farm income and weaken soybean oil biofuel demand.
The bill does not require retailers to sell E15, and it still needs Senate approval before reaching President Trump.
Efforts to make year-round E15 sales permanent are gaining momentum after the measure passed the U.S. House and now heads to the Senate for consideration, marking a significant development for biofuel and agriculture policy.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Economist Dr. Faith Parum joined us on Thursday’s Market Day Report to discuss what the next steps could look like for the legislation and what it would mean for fuel retailers, corn growers, and consumers who have long operated under temporary summer E15 waivers.
In her interview with RFD News, Dr. Parum explained that a permanent E15 fix could provide greater long-term certainty across the supply chain and stabilize expectations for both producers and retailers. She also outlined what comes next in the Senate process and noted that the policy’s path forward could face hurdles as debate continues.
Parum addressed pushback from both soybean and oil industry groups, noting ongoing concerns as the legislation moves through Congress. She also discussed broader renewable fuel policy momentum, including EPA’s recent Renewable Volume Obligations for 2026–27, and how that signal could shape opportunities for ethanol producers, farmers, and rural economies.
