The U.S. House of Representatives passed the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 (H.R. 1346) with bipartisan and industry support, which would allow for 15% ethanol blending (E15) year-round if made into law, providing market support to farmers and gas price relief for consumers.
Representative Adrian Smith (R-Nebraska) introduced H.R. 1346 on Feb. 13, 2025, which initially failed a procedural vote in January but passed on May 13 on a 218-203 vote. Senator Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska) introduced a companion piece of legislation on the same day as the introduction of H.R. 1346.
This bill would allow for year-round E15 sales as opposed to relying on temporary emergency waivers each summer, as shared in a press release from Congresswoman and Co-Chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus Julie Fedorchak (R-North Dakota). The bill makes changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard related to small refinery exemptions and requests the EPA to modernize fuel infrastructure and labeling for E15 nationwide.
Year-round ethanol production is expected to add $25.3 billion to U.S. GDP, supporting 128,000 full-time jobs nationwide, per industry estimates, shared in Fedorchak’s press release.
“Year-round E15 is a win for North Dakota farmers, ethanol producers, American energy security, and families looking for more affordable options at the pump. As Co-Chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, I was proud to help craft and advance this legislation alongside a strong coalition of Midwestern members. It strengthens demand for homegrown American energy and provides more reliable markets for our producers at a time when agriculture is facing significant economic pressure. President Trump and Secretary Rollins support this effort, and I urge the Senate to move quickly so we can get this across the finish line for rural America,” Fedorchak said in a statement.
Farmers applaud E15 decision
Farm groups responded favorably to the House’s passage of the bill, noting how it would impact the farm economy and lower fuel prices. The national average price per gallon for gas was $4.53 on May 14, an increase of 52% since the start of the Iran war, according to NBC News tracking.
“The bipartisan vote to allow the sale of year-round E15 will benefit drivers and farmers at a time both are desperately in need of good news. Fuels blended with 15% ethanol will increase demand for corn, which will help a struggling farm economy. America’s drivers will also have the choice to fill their tanks with fuel that is typically 10 to 30 cents cheaper per gallon,” said Zippy Duvall, American Farm Bureau Federation president, in a statement.
Corn farmers and groups came out in support of the bill, sharing how the bill will provide market stability amid rising input costs and challenges.
“We are thrilled to see that E15 legislation passed the House today and are deeply appreciative of the legislation’s sponsors, co-sponsors, and all its congressional supporters. Passage of this bill is essential to the success of corn farmers and rural communities, particularly as our growers face their fourth year of net losses and struggle with high input costs,” said Jed Bower, Ohio farmer and National Corn Growers Association president, in a statement.
