The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation that would allow a cheaper gasoline blend known as E15 to be sold year-round across the country, a move supporters say could help lower fuel costs for consumers during the busy summer driving season.
The proposal, called the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, passed the House by a 218-203 vote this week. Support for the bill crossed party lines, with 122 Republicans, 95 Democrats, and one independent voting in favor. Opposition also came from both parties, although lawmakers from major corn-producing states were generally more supportive than lawmakers representing oil-producing regions.
If approved by the Senate and signed into law by the president, the legislation would permanently allow the sale of E15 gasoline throughout the summer months nationwide. E15 fuel contains up to 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. Current federal environmental regulations normally restrict the fuel’s summertime sale because of concerns tied to smog and evaporative emissions during hotter weather.
Supporters of the bill argue that E15 fuel can save drivers money at the pump. According to the Renewable Fuels Association, the ethanol-blended fuel typically costs between 20 and 40 cents less per gallon compared to traditional gasoline. Advocates also say expanding E15 availability could help boost demand for American-grown corn and strengthen domestic fuel production.
The legislation would also make permanent a temporary Environmental Protection Agency policy that currently relies on emergency waivers. In March, the EPA issued emergency waivers allowing E15 fuel sales nationwide between May 1 and May 20 because of rising fuel prices and market volatility. However, federal law only allows those waivers to remain active for 20 days at a time, creating uncertainty for gas stations, fuel suppliers, and ethanol producers.
Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper praised the House vote, saying the measure would remove decades of regulations that he believes have limited competition and consumer choice in the fuel market. Supporters also argue that expanded ethanol fuel availability could reduce U.S. dependence on imported fuel sources.
Critics of the proposal, however, warn that the changes could negatively impact smaller oil refineries. Under current federal law, some smaller refineries can apply for exemptions from renewable fuel blending requirements tied to the Renewable Fuel Standard program. Opponents argue the House bill could weaken or eliminate those protections, placing additional financial pressure on smaller refining operations.
There are also restrictions regarding which vehicles and equipment can safely use E15 fuel. According to federal guidelines, E15 should not be used in motorcycles, boats, snowmobiles, chain saws, lawn mowers, heavy-duty vehicles such as school buses and delivery trucks, or most passenger vehicles manufactured before 2001.
The Environmental Protection Agency has also noted that E15 generally produces slightly lower fuel economy compared to standard gasoline blends because ethanol contains less energy than gasoline. Federal estimates suggest drivers using E15 may experience about a 1% to 2% reduction in fuel efficiency compared to fuel blends containing roughly 10% ethanol.
The debate over ethanol fuel blends comes as gas prices remain elevated in many parts of the country. In Arizona, some drivers recently reported paying nearly $5 per gallon at certain stations despite temporary EPA waivers designed to increase fuel supply and lower costs.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where its future remains uncertain. Supporters from agricultural states continue pushing for final approval, arguing the legislation would provide long-term stability for ethanol producers, fuel retailers, and consumers looking for cheaper fuel options during peak travel seasons.
Source: ABC15
