E15 Gasoline Bill for Year-Round Sales Passes US House

A bill permitting the year-round sale of gasoline containing 15% ethanol was passed by the U.S. House of Representatives on May 14, 2026. This legislation targets the removal of seasonal restrictions that currently prohibit sales of E15 fuel during summer months in many states. The bill, a priority for the biofuels industry and corn-producing states, now advances to the Senate for further debate and a vote.

What is E15 and Why Are Its Sales Restricted?

E15 is a motor fuel blend containing up to 15% ethanol, an alcohol-based fuel typically derived from corn in the United States. It offers a higher octane rating than the standard 10% ethanol blend (E10) that dominates the U.S. fuel market. Proponents argue it is a cleaner-burning, domestically produced fuel that reduces reliance on foreign oil.

Current federal regulations under the Clean Air Act restrict E15 sales between June 1 and September 15 in areas without a specific waiver. This is due to concerns that its higher Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) can contribute to smog formation in warmer weather. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has historically used temporary emergency waivers to allow summer sales, creating uncertainty for retailers and suppliers each year.

The newly passed legislation seeks to provide a permanent, nationwide solution by granting E15 the same RVP waiver that E10 receives. This would standardize regulations and allow gas stations to offer the fuel blend without interruption. The bill effectively makes a regulatory fix that the biofuels industry has sought for over a decade.

Who Benefits from Year-Round E15 Sales?

The primary beneficiaries of this legislation are U.S. corn farmers and the ethanol production industry. The U.S. is the world's largest producer of corn, with the 2025 harvest valued at over $90 billion, and a significant portion of that crop is used for ethanol production. A permanent market for E15 would create more stable, year-round demand for their products.

Ethanol producers, including major players like Archer-Daniels-Midland (ADM) and Green Plains (GPRE), would see increased demand for their output. The Renewable Fuels Association, a key industry lobbying group, estimates that nationwide, year-round E15 availability could expand ethanol demand by up to 2 billion gallons annually. This provides a critical outlet for agricultural commodities.

What Are the Market Implications for Refiners and Consumers?

For consumers, the most visible impact could be lower prices at the pump. E15 is often sold at a discount of 5 to 10 cents per gallon compared to E10. Expanding its availability could introduce more competition and provide drivers with a cheaper fuel option, particularly during the peak summer driving season when gasoline prices typically rise.

Conversely, the oil refining industry has historically opposed the expansion of E15. Refiners argue that higher ethanol mandates eat into their market share for petroleum-based gasoline. They also cite logistical challenges and costs associated with producing and distributing another distinct fuel blend. Some groups raise concerns about the blend's compatibility with older vehicles and small engines.

An acknowledged risk is that E15 is not approved for all vehicles. The EPA has approved its use in all passenger vehicles model year 2001 and newer, which represents the vast majority of cars on the road. However, it is not approved for use in motorcycles, boats, or lawn equipment, and using it in unapproved engines could potentially cause damage and void warranties.

What is the Bill's Path Through the Senate?

The bill passed the House with a strong bipartisan vote of 301-127, indicating support from both parties, particularly from representatives of agricultural states. This broad coalition improves its prospects but does not guarantee success in the Senate, where procedural rules and different regional interests come into play. Senators from oil-producing states may attempt to block or amend the legislation.

The bill's sponsors are hopeful that the combination of consumer savings, energy independence arguments, and powerful agricultural interests will secure the 60 votes needed to overcome any potential filibuster. The White House has not issued a formal statement on this specific bill, but the administration has previously supported measures to lower fuel costs. The timeline for a Senate vote remains uncertain but is expected before the end of the year.

Q: Does E15 gasoline harm car engines?

A: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved E15 for use in all light-duty passenger vehicles of model year 2001 and newer. This covers more than 96% of vehicles on U.S. roads today. However, it is not approved for older cars, motorcycles, or small off-road engines like those in boats or lawnmowers. Drivers should always check their owner's manual for manufacturer recommendations on fuel blends.

Q: Why are E15 sales restricted in the summer?

A: The restriction is related to air quality regulations designed to reduce ground-level ozone, or smog. Gasoline blends with higher volatility can evaporate more easily in warm temperatures, releasing compounds that contribute to smog. E15 has a slightly higher volatility, or Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP), than standard summer gasoline. Current law provides a 1.0 psi RVP waiver for E10 but not for E15, which this bill seeks to change.

Q: How much of the US fuel supply is currently ethanol?

A: Ethanol is the most common biofuel in the United States and is blended into more than 98% of all gasoline sold. The most prevalent blend is E10, which contains 10% ethanol. The push for year-round E15 aims to increase the average ethanol content in the nation's fuel supply, further expanding the market for renewable fuels.

Bottom Line

The House bill advancing year-round E15 sales marks a significant win for the biofuels industry, shifting the legislative focus to a contentious Senate vote.

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