Year-Round E15 Sales May Require Compromise with Small Oil Refineries

Senator John Thune from South Dakota believes that for year-round E15 sales to pass in the US Senate, compromises will need to be made with small oil refineries. The current law allows for a federal waiver to sell higher ethanol-blended gasoline during the summer months. However, without a new law authorizing year-round E15 sales, it remains uncertain if this will happen.

Ethanol is a gasoline additive primarily made from corn, and supporters of year-round E15 availability argue that it would strengthen the farm economy and increase energy independence. Opponents point to research showing emissions from higher ethanol blends could worsen summer smog, although the biofuels industry disputes this claim.

Thune stated that without a law authorizing year-round E15 sales, small oil refineries will need to be considered for any potential compromise. This is crucial as these refineries are concerned about the impact of higher ethanol blends on their operations.