US House Approves Year-Round E15 Sales Despite Refinery Opposition

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bipartisan bill allowing the year-round sale of E15, a gasoline blend containing 15% ethanol. The measure, co-sponsored by Minnesota representatives Michelle Fischbach, Brad Finstad, and Angie Craig, passed with a 218-204 vote. This legislative victory supports Minnesota, the nation's fourth-largest ethanol producer, and aims to boost farmer incomes while lowering consumer fuel costs. However, the bill faces strong opposition from small independent refineries and their congressional allies, who argue that phasing out Renewable Fuel Standard exemptions by 2028 will impose prohibitive compliance costs and threaten their businesses. Critics also cite potential environmental concerns, including increased summer smog and reduced fuel efficiency. Although E15 is already sold year-round in Minnesota and 21 other states, this federal approval seeks to standardize sales nationwide. The legislation was separated from the recent farm bill due to intense lobbying and partisan splits within the GOP. The bill now moves to the Senate, where its passage remains uncertain, with some lawmakers predicting it may fail to gain traction compared to its prospects within the broader agricultural package.