NASHVILLE, Tenn. (RFD NEWS) — Efforts to authorize year-round E15 gasoline sales stalled this week after the House Rules Committee opted not to include the provision in must-pass funding legislation, citing procedural and policy risks rather than opposition to ethanol itself. The decision delays a long-sought market expansion for biofuels while keeping the issue active for further review.
Farm-state lawmakers supporting E15 argued the change would provide certainty for ethanol markets and expand domestic fuel demand. Others on the committee cautioned that the amendment did not move through regular order, meaning it bypassed the standard committee process. That raised concerns about attaching a major policy change to an underlying spending bill without full vetting, a step some lawmakers warned could jeopardize broader passage.
Opposition also reflected competing regional interests. While many producers favor expanded ethanol blending, some members emphasized the need to consider impacts on small and independent refiners alongside farm interests. Those concerns were central to resistance from lawmakers representing energy-producing states with refining capacity.
Instead of advancing the amendment, House leadership moved to establish the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council, a temporary panel charged with developing legislative recommendations on year-round E15, refining capacity, and related Renewable Fuel Standard issues. The council is expected to deliver proposals by mid-February, with House leaders targeting late February for potential legislative consideration.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Year-round E15 remains on the table, but procedural caution and competing regional interests pushed action into a slower, negotiated path.
Tony St. James, RFD NEWS Markets Specialist
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