NASHVILLE, TENN. (RFD NEWS) — Efforts to secure year-round sales of E15 gasoline are facing delays after a special congressional council missed its deadline to present a proposal on the issue. The council had been expected to deliver recommendations on Sunday outlining a path forward to allow permanent, nationwide sales of E15 — a gasoline blend containing 15 percent ethanol. Instead, discussions appear to have stalled.
Industry Sees Major Market Opportunity
Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President & CEO Geoff Cooper told RFD NEWS on Tuesday that the industry remains hopeful Congress can still reach an agreement.
“Look, this is a new market opportunity and a potentially huge new market opportunity if we had E15 year-round,” Cooper said. “We’re talking about the additional demand for about 6 billion gallons of ethanol. That would require another 2.5 billion bushels of corn or somewhere in that range.”
Cooper emphasized that the transition would not happen overnight, but said that expanding access would open the door to long-term growth.
“That wouldn’t all happen overnight. It would take time to get there,” he said. “But we’re simply asking to open the door to that opportunity. This is not an E15 mandate. We’re simply asking Congress to pass a law that would give gas stations the choice to offer E15 to their customers.”
What’s at Stake for Corn Producers
Supporters argue that permanent E15 access could significantly boost domestic ethanol production and increase corn demand, a key factor in grain markets.
Currently, E15 sales are restricted in many parts of the country during the summer months due to federal fuel volatility regulations, which ethanol industry leaders consistently argue has been disproved by science. Lawmakers have issued temporary waivers in recent years, but biofuel advocates say a permanent legislative fix is needed to provide certainty for fuel retailers and farmers.
With spring planting season approaching, corn growers and ethanol producers alike are watching closely to see whether Congress can break the impasse and move the proposal forward.
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