Year-Round E15 Gas Sales Plan Stalls in Senate Committee

A plan to allow year-round sales of E15 gasoline, which contains 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline, has stalled in the Senate Agriculture Committee. The committee voted 10-11 against sending a new farm bill to the full Senate, with all 11 Democrats voting no.

The proposed federal change would make it permanent for year-round E15 sales nationwide, which is currently limited during the summer due to smog reduction rules. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has used short-term waivers to allow more sales during fuel shortages and emergencies.

Senate supporters say that E15 often costs less per gallon and gives drivers another choice. They also claim it would help corn farmers and rural communities. However, opponents argue that the Renewable Fuel Standard hurts smaller refiners and raises fuel prices through RINs, or Renewable Identification Numbers.

The House passed a separate year-round E15 bill in May, but it has not received a Senate vote. The Congressional Budget Office estimated that the measure would add $2.3 billion to the federal deficit from 2026 through 2036.