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
In a post to social media, Trump said Venezuela will buy American agriculture products and will use the money from oil sales to make it happen.
January 08, 2026 11:51 AM
·
Federal nutrition policy is signaling a stronger demand for whole foods produced by U.S. farmers and ranchers. Consumer-facing guidance favors animal protein, but institutional demand may change little under existing saturated fat limits.
January 08, 2026 11:42 AM
·
North Dakota CO₂ Storage Law Struck Down
January 07, 2026 03:03 PM
·
Tennessee Rep. John Rose joined us to pay tribute to his friend and colleague, Rep. Doug LaMalfa, a true Champion of Rural America.
January 07, 2026 12:20 PM
·
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins today released the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2025–2030.
January 07, 2026 11:55 AM
Higher ethanol blend rates translate directly into stronger, more durable corn demand if regulatory momentum holds.
January 07, 2026 10:06 AM
·
Trade uncertainty—especially regarding soybeans—continues to weigh on future outlooks, even as farm finances and land values remain resilient.
January 06, 2026 03:09 PM
·
Strong export demand supports feed grain prices, but drought risk and seasonal patterns favor disciplined early-year marketing.
January 06, 2026 02:46 PM
·
Roger McEowen with the Washburn University School of Law joined us to provide legal insight and context on these issues facing agriculture. Today, he discusses pesticide litigation.
January 06, 2026 01:39 PM
·
