Miller-Meeks, Colleagues Push to Codify Year-Round E15
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), along with Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE), Angie Craig (D-MN), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), and Sharice Davids (D-KS), introduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. This bipartisan, bicameral legislation would extend the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) volatility waiver, allowing for the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends up to 15 percent.
Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.
“Iowa’s farmers and consumers deserve the certainty of year-round E15, and I am proud to join my colleagues in the House and Senate to push for this important policy,” said Rep. Miller-Meeks. “This legislation will allow for permanent, nationwide sales of E15, which will lower costs for Americans at the gas pump, reduce emissions, and put an end to fuel supply disruptions. And it supports Iowa and American farmers over Brazil. I urge the House and Senate to pass our bipartisan bill to unleash our domestic energy potential.”
“I have been fighting to eliminate unnecessary, unscientific, and misguided barriers to E15 access since 2010. It is time to enact year-round E15 nationwide to provide relief at the pump and certainty for producers,” said Rep. Smith. “I thank my House colleagues and Senator Fischer for their partnership on our tenacious bipartisan efforts to honor congressional intent in the RFS. From ethanol to biomass-based diesel to sustainable aviation fuel, the world depends on liquid biofuels to meet consumer demand and move us forward. We have just scratched the surface of our production capacity, which is why it is so important to codify year-round E15 and ensure robust RFS volumes.”
“Homegrown biofuels are tools we have right now to address climate change, strengthen our nation’s energy infrastructure and lower costs for Americans at the gas pump,” said Rep. Craig. “This bill is the kind of common-sense legislation we need more of in Washington, and I’m proud to be a part of the bipartisan coalition fighting for year-round E15 in the House.”
“Unlocking American energy includes boosting production of American biofuels. Year-round availability of E15 will boost American-made fuel, lower gas prices, and improve our economy and environment,” said Rep. Johnson. “I’m proud to continue to help lead this effort that will benefit producers and consumers.”
“Higher blends of biofuels help folks save money at the gas pump, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, cut carbon emissions and support critical markets for Illinois family farmers,” said Rep. Budzinski. “I’m proud to represent one of our nation’s top corn-producing regions and to champion biofuels production on behalf of my constituents - including as a co-lead of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. Producers and consumers need more certainty and I’m confident that this legislation can take us across the finish line to secure year-round E-15.”
“It’s time to once and for all solidify President Trump’s pledge to allow the sale of year-round E15—giving America’s producers and consumers the certainty they deserve.” said Sen. Fischer. “My bill will put an end to years of patchwork regulations and finally make nationwide, year-round E15 a reality. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the House and the Senate, as well as with President Trump, to get this bill signed into law.”
Click here to read the bill.
Background:
Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks has been a leading advocate for the year-round, nationwide sale of E15, a fuel blend containing 15% ethanol. E15 is vital for reducing the nation’s reliance on foreign oil, supporting American farmers, and providing consumers with a more affordable, cleaner fuel option.
Rep. Miller-Meeks, alongside other bipartisan lawmakers, has pushed for a legislative solution to make E15 sales permanent and nationwide. This follows recent challenges that created uncertainty in the marketplace, including a court ruling that blocked the EPA’s ability to expand E15 availability year-round. The introduction of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act aims to permanently secure E15’s place in the market, providing a reliable, sustainable fuel option for America’s future.
###