Several U.S. congresspeople, including Rep. Randy Feenstra (R-Iowa), have introduced legislation that would allow the nationwide, year-round sale of E15 gasoline, drawing praise from the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA). The measure would permit the year-round sale of E15, a blend containing 15 percent ethanol, nationwide. The proposed legislation has been introduced as an amendment to the ongoing Farm Bill negotiation and would also require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize a rule recognizing that E15 is compatible with existing fuel infrastructure and equipment, an idea originally introduced by Sen. Joni Ernst (R-Iowa). IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw says, “[We are] thrilled to finally see this compromise legislation introduced. We thank the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council, chaired by Rep. Feenstra, for their work in getting us to this point. With high gas prices pinching the American consumer, it is beyond time for Congress to quickly pass E15 legislation that will reduce fuel costs while boosting demand for American farmers. Our message is simple: get this to the President’s desk immediately so that he can sign it into law.” The proposal also reforms parts of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) by adjusting how refinery exemptions are granted beginning in 2028. Historically, the “small refinery exemption” has been near unilaterally granted to companies that apply, but the legislation’s language would further clarify what qualifies as a small refinery and limit exemptions and their reallocations. Feenstra was joined by Reps. Michelle Fischbach (R-Minn.), Stephanie Bice (R-Okla.), and Adrian Smith (R-Neb.).
