Office of Rep. Adrian Smith
Today, Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Angie Craig (D-MN) along with Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), and Sharice Davids (D-KS) introduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would extend the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to enable the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends up to 15 percent. Smith and Craig are co-chairs of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus.
Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
“I have been fighting to eliminate unnecessary, unscientific, and misguided barriers to E15 access since 2010. It is time to enact year-round E15 nationwide to provide relief at the pump and certainty for producers,” said Rep. Smith. “I thank my House colleagues and Senator Fischer for their partnership on our tenacious bipartisan efforts to honor congressional intent in the RFS. From ethanol to biomass-based diesel to sustainable aviation fuel, the world depends on liquid fuels to meet consumer demand and move us forward. We have just scratched the surface of our production capacity, which is why it is so important to codify year-round E15 and ensure robust RFS volumes.”
“Homegrown biofuels are tools we have right now to address climate change, strengthen our nation’s energy infrastructure and lower costs for Americans at the gas pump,” said Rep. Craig. “This bill is the kind of commonsense legislation we need more of in Washington, and I’m proud to be a part of the bipartisan coalition fighting for year-round E15 in the House.”
“It’s time to once and for all solidify President Trump’s pledge to allow the sale of year-round E15—giving America’s producers and consumers the certainty they deserve. My bill will put an end to years of patchwork regulations and finally make nationwide, year-round E15 a reality. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and the Senate, as well as with President Trump, to get this bill signed into law,” said Sen. Fischer.
“For our country to remain a global energy leader, we must continue to invest in renewable and clean energy so we can decrease our emissions and dependence on foreign oil,” said Sen. Duckworth. “Producing less expensive fuel choices like E15 that can be sold year-round would help lower gas prices, protect the environment, support our farmers and drive economic opportunity throughout the Midwest. I’m proud to join Senator Fischer in reintroducing our bipartisan legislation that would do just that.”
“Unlocking American energy includes boosting production of American biofuels. Year-round availability of E15 will boost American-made fuel, lower gas prices, and improve our economy and environment,” said Rep. Johnson. “I’m proud to continue to help lead this effort that will benefit producers and consumers.”
“Higher blends of biofuels help folks save money at the gas pump, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, cut carbon emissions and support critical markets for Illinois family farmers,” said Rep. Budzinski. “I’m proud to represent one of our nation’s top corn-producing regions and to champion biofuels production on behalf of my constituents – including as a co-lead of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. Producers and consumers need more certainty and I’m confident that this legislation can take us across the finish line to secure year-round E-15.”
“Temporary waivers allowing the sale of E15 in the summer are not a viable long-term solution for Iowa’s energy leadership,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “This legislation will allow for permanent, nationwide sales of E15 which will lower costs for Americans at the gas pump, reduce emissions, and put an end to fuel supply disruptions. And it supports Iowa and American farmers over Brazil. I urge the House and Senate to pass our bipartisan bill to unleash our domestic energy potential.”
“I’m proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill that would enable permanent, nationwide sales of E15, helping families save at the gas pump while supporting our agricultural community and enhancing our nation’s energy security. This is how Congress should function: both parties coming together to address the most pressing challenges facing everyday folks,” said Rep. Davids.
Click here to read the bill.
House cosponsors of the bill include Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Sharice Davids (D- KS), Mike Flood (R-NE), Mike Bost (R-IL), Max Miller (R-OH), Mary Miller (R-IL), Brad Finstad (R-MN), Ron Estes (R-KS), Darin LaHood (R- IL), Blake Moore (R-UT), Derrick Van Orden (R- WI), Zach Nunn (R-IA), Eric Sorensen (D-IL), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Mark Alford (R-MO), Dave Taylor (R-OH), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Michelle Fischbach (R-MN), Don Bacon (R-NE), Derek Schmidt (R-KS), Michael Guest (R-MS), Emanuel Cleaver (D-MO), Kristen McDonald Rivet (D-MI), and Don Davis (D-NC)
The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act has broad support from stakeholders. Below are statements in support of the bipartisan legislation:
“Allowing for the sale of E-15 year-round is a policy priority for the Nebraska Farm Bureau, and the nearly 57,000 member families we represent. We thank Nebraska Third District Congressman Adrian Smith for his tireless efforts to get the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to President’s Trumps deck for his signature. For years, Nebraska’s ethanol industry, our state’s corn farmers, and ultimately American consumers have been forced to contend with outdated rules and regulations which prevent access to this important product, and 2025 must be the year we finally rectify this issue,” said Mark McHargue, President, Nebraska Farm Bureau Federation.
“Nebraska’s ethanol producers and corn growers deserve a fair shot — and Representative Adrian Smith is fighting to make that happen. Year-round E-15 means more certainty for farmers, producers and retailers, more savings for drivers, and fewer emissions for all. The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act is a win for Nebraska and the nation. Renewable Fuels Nebraska and the members we represent thank Representative Smith for his tireless leadership, and we urge Congress to pass this commonsense, bipartisan proposal without delay,” said Dawn Caldwell, Executive Director, Renewable Fuels Nebraska.
“We’re appreciative of Representative Smith in reigniting the push to approve year-round E15 by reintroducing the bill after it nearly passed during the lame duck session last year,” stated Michael Dibbern, farmer and president of the Nebraska Corn Growers Association. Given the current challenges faced by farmers, with many experiencing tight or negative cash flows, year-round E15 approval has become more crucial than ever. Representative Smith’s dedication to removing regulatory barriers is far-reaching, positively impacting retailers, consumers and corn farmers alike. We’re encouraged by the commitment and eager to support his efforts in the new session.”
“We applaud Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.) and Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) and Representatives Adrian Smith (R-Neb.) and Angie Craig (D-Minn.) for leading the charge once again to unlock permanent, nationwide access to E15. Rural families and American consumers are lucky to have them in our corner, and we hope this is the bill that finally makes it over the finish line. The American people have waited for too long to get reliable access to a fuel that can lower costs while creating jobs in rural communities. We look forward to continuing our work with our champions in Congress and the White House to finally make year-round E15 the law of the land,” said John Fuher, Vice President of Government Affairs, Growth Energy.
“This bipartisan legislation would finally bring nationwide consistency and stability to the marketplace and eliminate the need for last-minute emergency waivers. With the summer driving season just around the corner, we urge lawmakers to swiftly adopt this bill and deliver a win for American families seeking cleaner, lower-cost fuel options. Time is of the essence,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “Ethanol producers, oil refiners, fuel retailers, equipment manufacturers, farmers, and consumers have all rallied behind this commonsense approach. We thank Representatives Adrian Smith and Angie Craig for their continued leadership on this important issue. RFA commends them and their fellow renewable fuel supporters in the House for continuing to fight for fair market access for our nation’s farmers, ethanol producers, and consumers.”
“Year-round, nationwide E15 sales will prevent a confusing patchwork of state regulations and give consumers reliable access to the fuels they use every day. We thank Representatives Smith and Craig, as well as Senators Fischer and Duckworth, for championing this important bipartisan effort. Now, Congress must act to bring certainty and consistency to the fuel marketplace,” said Kristin Whitman, SVP Government Relations, American Petroleum Institute.
“Nationwide consumer access to E15 will save drivers money at the pump while boosting the farm economy,” said Illinois farmer and National Corn Growers Association President Kenneth Hartman Jr. “We want to applaud the sponsors and co-sponsors of this bill for introducing legislation that promises to significantly benefit consumers and farmers alike.”
“To effectively serve their customers, convenience retailers need a stable and predictable year-round market for fuels like E15,” said National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS) General Counsel Doug Kantor. “We are grateful to Rep. Smith and Rep. Craig for their continued leadership on this issue, with legislation that will improve the environmental attributes of summer gasoline while lowering costs for families and small businesses across the country.”
“E-15 is a win for both farmers and consumers, offering a vital opportunity to lower fuel prices and provide more choices at the pump,” said NFU President Rob Larew. “This legislation supports family farmers by creating stronger, more reliable markets while helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions. With this bill, we’re taking critical steps toward a more sustainable future, and we urge lawmakers to act quickly to ensure farmers and consumers benefit from these opportunities.”
BACKGROUND:
In Congress, Rep. Smith has long championed the issue of year-round availability of E15. This past year, he pushed the administration to extend the availability of E15 during the summer to provide American consumers with access to an affordable biofuel alternative at their local gas station.