US House passes bill allowing year-round sales of E15 gasoline
Kellan Heavican | May 13, 2026
The U.S. House passed nationwide, year-round E15 legislation Wednesday evening with bipartisan support, 218 to 203.
Congressman Adrian Smith of Nebraska is the sponsor of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. “This is historic to get this out of the House and now over to the Senate.”
Smith tells Brownfield if it is signed into law, it expands markets for corn farmers and options for consumers. “We have elevated the debate with a consumer choice-oriented objective that can prevent ad-hoc disaster payments in the future.”
Nebraska farmer Jan TenBensel, chair of the state’s ethanol board, says the vote marks a major milestone for agriculture. “We are a great domestic energy source, and we can help consumers save money at the pump. We can help the price at the farm gate for farmers and we can provide higher protein palatable animal feed. This is a win, win, win and ethanol checks all of the boxes all of the time.”
Wisconsin Congressman Derrick Van Orden says it could provide much-needed certainty for producers. “This is going to offer a great, more stable market for our corn growers.”
Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, says the legislation provides consumers freedom to choose E15 and provides stability for farmers, retailers and ethanol producers.
American Coalition for Ethanol CEO Brian Jennings says E15 will help farmers facing economic challenges by boosting corn demand and is the fastest way to save money at the pump for consumers.
Jed Bower, president of the National Corn Growers Association and farmer from Ohio, says the passage is essential to the success of producers who are struggling with high input costs and a fourth year of net losses.
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says American consumers are one step closer to savings at the pump and urges the Senate to pass the bill quickly.
The legislation now heads to the Senate, where it likely faces an uphill battle. President Trump indicated he would support the legislation at a stop in Iowa in January.
