The American Soybean Association released a statement warning of threats to the integrity of longstanding U.S. biofuel policies following the House of Representatives’ establishment of the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council. The Council was developed to identify solutions to policy disputes preventing the passage of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, legislation to provide for the sale of year-round E15 fuel blends. However, the establishment resolution directs the Council to review a broad range of policies, including critical biofuel programs that support domestic markets for U.S. soybeans.
“The American Soybean Association appreciates the continued work of the House of Representatives to champion domestic biofuel production, but the broad latitude provided to the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council creates new threats to programs U.S. soybean farmers rely on to advance the production of soy-based fuels,” said ASA President and Ohio farmer Scott Metzger. “ASA supports the sale of year-round E15 but is concerned about the Council’s review of longstanding bipartisan policies that promote the production and consumption of biodiesel, renewable diesel, and other biofuels derived from soybeans. Congress and members of the Council must guard against all efforts that seek to weaken the Renewable Fuel Standard and other policies U.S. soybean farmers rely on for domestic market demand. The open-ended directives of this Council create a dangerous precedent that threatens the foundation of the U.S. biofuel industry. The Council should not open 25 years of RFS program success during only a few weeks of review.”
ASA has applauded the Trump Administration for the strong 2026-2027 Renewable Volume Obligations draft rule and Congress for making positive changes to the 45Z Clean Fuel Production Credit, which will support domestic agricultural feedstocks. Strong domestic biofuel markets will reduce reliance on China, where U.S. soybean exports are down 50% this year, and insulate soybean farmers from additional economic damage. Instead of studying biofuel policies with longstanding proven success, Congress should be working with the administration to ensure the swift finalization of 45Z tax guidance, robust RVOs, and finalizing EPA’s proposed rule to give preference to domestic feedstocks and fuels. The work of the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council cannot distract from getting these policies across the finish line.
National Sorghum Producers (NSP) is deeply frustrated by reports that congressional action to expand year-round access to E15 has stalled, despite broad support and years of work by farmers, biofuel producers and fuel retailers across the country.
“Frankly, we’re fed up with the delays,” said NSP Chair Amy France, a farmer from Scott City, Kan. “E15 is one of the most immediate win-win-win solutions Congress can deliver. It strengthens demand for American-grown feedstocks like sorghum, supports domestic energy production and gives consumers access to a lower-cost fuel option. This is not a new idea — it’s a ready-to-go solution that has been negotiated, vetted and supported for years. Congress needs to act.”
Year-round E15 access is a practical, market-driven step that benefits rural communities and consumers alike, while providing certainty for fuel retailers and the biofuels industry.
“At a time when farmers are facing tight margins and rising input costs, it is incredibly disappointing to see Congress stall out on a solution that would provide real, immediate benefits,” France said. “Every month of inaction is a missed opportunity for growers, for consumers and for America’s energy security.”
“We’re grateful to the sorghum belt leaders who have stayed engaged and fought to move this forward,” France said. “Now we need Congress to match that effort with results and deliver the certainty farmers and consumers deserve.”
NSP will continue working with lawmakers and industry partners to advance year-round E15 access. With the farm economy under severe financial pressure, year-round E15 is an immediate, practical solution — and Congress must deliver it now.
Congressional House leadership decided to omit from the pending appropriations package bipartisan legislation that would permanently allow the year-round, nationwide sale of E15 in favor of creating a new E15 Rural Energy Council to “develop legislative solutions to address the crisis facing our nation’s farmers and refiners.” American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement in response:
“We expect Congress to adopt bipartisan legislation to finally allow retailers the option to offer E15 to their customers on a year-round basis before the summer driving season. Any new legislative package considered by Congress must expand, not limit, market access for ethanol.
“As rural America copes with some of the toughest economic conditions in a generation, Congress must meet the moment and finally make E15 year-round a reality. It is a commonsense solution that can immediately boost demand for corn, strengthen farm income, and save motorists money at the pump.”
Growth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuel trade association, was very unhappy after it was announced that a legislative fix for year-round E15 was dropped from the January government funding bill. It was further incensed that Congress would instead form a “rural energy council” to formulate another compromise bill with petroleum interests, and with expectations for a vote in February.
“What an incredible travesty as Congress picked refiners over American farmers and drivers today,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “E15 delivers cost savings for consumers and generates long-term demand for American agriculture, facts that have been well-known for over a decade.”
She also said the debate involves the simple act of allowing consumers the choice to buy a better value fuel year-round. This failure will lead to farmers missing out on a critical market during the worst farm crisis in four decades.
“It’s imperative we get this over the finish line in an expedited manner,” Skor added.
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