US Senate Committee Passes Year-Round E15 Sales Bill
The US ethanol market is poised for growth as the Senate Agriculture Committee passes its second version of the farm bill, which includes language allowing year-round sales of fuel with a 15% ethanol blend (E15). The move comes as the USDA reports record-high exports of ethanol in 2025, with 2.2 billion gallons worth $4.7 billion exported to countries such as Canada and the European Union.
The American Farm Bureau Federation and Renewable Fuels Association have strongly advocated for year-round E15 sales, which they claim would provide farmers with a reliable market for corn and help lower fuel costs for consumers. Regular unleaded gasoline prices averaged $4.3672 on September 16, compared to $3.1862 a year ago.
The farm bill now faces an uncertain future in the full Senate, where it must be reconciled with the House version before being sent to President Trump's desk for signature. Geoff Cooper, RFA President and CEO, urged the full Senate to pass year-round E15 legislation as quickly as possible.