WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD-TV) — Agriculture policy will take center stage on Capitol Hill this week as lawmakers hold a series of high-profile hearings on farm aid, trade, and forestry while biofuel advocates continue pressing Congress to pass year-round E15 legislation.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins is scheduled to testify Tuesday before the Senate Appropriations Committee on the White House’s request for additional farmer assistance. On Wednesday, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer will appear before the Senate Finance Committee to provide an update on President Trump’s trade agenda, while the U.S. Forest Service chief is set to testify before the House Agriculture Committee.
RFD-TV will provide coverage of the week’s hearings on Market Day Report and online at RFD-TV.com.
Biofuel Groups Continue Push for Year-Round E15
As fuel prices edge higher, biofuel organizations are urging lawmakers to advance legislation allowing year-round nationwide sales of E15.
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said discussions remain active in the Senate, even if public progress has been limited.
“It is being talked about,” Skor said, noting Senate Majority Leader John Thune has been working with bipartisan supporters to move the legislation forward.
According to Skor, Senate leaders have explored advancing E15 as a standalone bill requiring 60 votes, while the House previously passed separate farm bill and E15 legislation. She said the Senate is pursuing its own approach.
Despite ongoing conversations, Skor believes the most likely path is for E15 language to be attached to a larger legislative package later this year.
“Whatever is the best way for this to move—by itself or with something else—we don’t care. We just want it to get done,” she said.
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is also encouraging congressional action, pointing to recent survey results showing broad public backing for expanded E15 availability.
According to RFA, 75 percent of registered voters support expanding access to E15, while more than seven in ten favor allowing year-round nationwide sales. The survey found support crossed party lines, with roughly three-quarters of both Republicans and Democrats favoring the higher ethanol blend.
Supporters say expanding year-round E15 sales would strengthen domestic biofuel markets, increase corn demand, and provide consumers with additional fuel choices. Opponents have raised concerns in the past about infrastructure, regulatory requirements, and market impacts, though negotiations continue in Congress.
