Jan. 7, 2026:
On Wednesday (Jan. 7, 2026), the Sioux Falls, SD,-based American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) organization joined a broad coalition of more than 70 groups representing farmers, ethanol producers, and renewable fuel stakeholders in urging congressional leaders to swiftly pass legislation securing permanent, year-round access to E15 nationwide.
In a letter to congressional leadership, the groups called for the immediate passage of legislation to allow year-round nationwide sales of the American-made E15 fuel blend, containing 15 percent ethanol. Year-round E15 would benefit drivers with savings of 10 to 30 cents per gallon and improve markets for America’s farmers.
“The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects a record 16.8-billion-bushel corn harvest in 2025—up roughly 13 percent from 2024,” the groups wrote. “While this demonstrates the strength and productivity of America’s farmers, it also intensifies pressure on corn prices and farm incomes. Expanding E15 access is one of the most immediate and practical ways to address this imbalance. When fully scaled, year-round, nationwide E15 is poised to create new domestic demand for billions of bushels of corn and sorghum, help stabilize markets, support farmers, and deliver consumer savings at the pump.”
The letter was led by the Renewable Fuels Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, Growth Energy, and the National Corn Growers Association.
In recent years, the organizations noted, E15 availability during the summer driving season has depended on temporary emergency waivers. While these annual actions provide short-term relief, they are not a sustainable or reliable solution. Year-to-year uncertainty discourages investment in fuel infrastructure, confuses consumers, and undermines confidence among retailers and refiners.
“With a record corn crop filling bins across America, farmers cannot afford another season of uncertainty and negative margins. Markets need consistency and predictability, which requires permanent legislative action by Congress. We respectfully urge you to act this year to pass year-round E15 legislation,” the groups wrote.
“Without a permanent legislative solution, uncertainty will continue to hold back market growth and limit access to E15 for consumers,” said Brian Jennings, CEO of the American Coalition for Ethanol. “Congress must act now to remove outdated regulatory barriers and expand consumer choice, strengthen energy security, and support economic growth across rural America.”
Permanent, year-round E15 remains ACE’s top policy priority. In the absence of congressional action, the issue will be front and center when ACE members travel to Washington, D.C., for the organization’s annual Fly-In March 17–18, meeting directly with lawmakers to urge swift passage of a legislative solution.
Jan. 6, 2026:
Gasoline blended with 15% ethanol– or E15– is a part of United States President Donald Trump’s America First energy plan, and Congress is, yet again, considering legislation to allow for the sale of it all year long in all 50 states. Currently, only eight states have clearance from the Environmental Protection Agency to allow year-round consumer access to E15: South Dakota, Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio and Wisconsin.
Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said it’s a common-sense solution that lowers costs at the pump and strengthens America’s energy dominance.
“There’s real momentum right now to get this across the finish line, and we’re looking to capitalize on it. President Trump has made it clear that expanding E15 year-round is a priority, and Congress has an opportunity to deliver a common-sense solution that lowers fuel costs for consumers while strengthening American energy. We’ve done the work, we know it’s a smart choice for consumers and the economy, and now the political stars are aligned to get this done.”
Skor said year-round E15 will help the President meet his energy and economic goals.
“E15 directly supports the President’s America First energy agenda and his domestic goals. On the economic side, it delivers immediate savings at the pump — often up to 30 cents per gallon. That helps families and businesses manage everyday costs. From an energy perspective, E15 strengthens U.S. energy dominance by expanding the use of homegrown fuels and reducing our reliance on foreign oil. It’s a win for drivers, for farmers, and for American energy security.”
National Sorghum Producers CEO Tim Lust said his group is working alongside the ethanol industry advocating for year-round E15.
“Sorghum producers are deeply connected to the ethanol industry. On average, about a third of our crop is used in ethanol production, and, in years like this, well over half our crop is being used in ethanol, so expanding E15 certainly creates more demand for our grain and our farmers. Beyond that, E15 supports rural prosperity. It strengthens working-class families, expands markets for our growers, and certainly provides stability during tough crop years or economic downturns, and market years like this. This is also about giving farmers a reliable domestic market that is so important in times like these and really keeping America’s communities strong.”
Lust believes year-round E15 helps rural economies.
“E15 keeps dollars in rural America. It supports ethanol plants, grain handlers, transportation jobs, and local businesses that rely on agriculture. When farmers have strong markets for their crops, that economic activity ripples through small towns and rural communities across the country.”
For those wanting to learn more about E15, Skor provides a resource.
“Go to GrowthEnergy.org/E15Now to make your voice heard. We want everyone to tell their elected officials that year-round E15 lowers prices and drives economic growth. The more people they hear from, the more likely it is that we can get this common-sense fix over the finish line.”
Again, that’s growthenergy.org/E15Now.
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