NDFU welcomes U.S. House passage of year-round E15

North Dakota Farmers Union President Matt Perdue said today's passage of year-round E15 legislation in the U.S. House is a win for family farmers. "We've been on the 1-yard line for years, trying to get this common-sense legislation passed. Growing domestic demand for renewable fuels is not only important for agriculture, it's important for America's energy security and for consumers, who will pay lower prices at the pump."

The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 will allow year-round E15 (gasoline with 15% ethanol). Current law limits its summertime use due to outdated volatility standards. For the past five years, EPA has issued summertime E15 waivers.

Perdue said the legislation also reforms Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) exemptions for small oil refineries, which have lowered the overall production of ethanol and other renewable fuels. By law, the RFS requires oil refiners to blend specific volumes of renewable fuels into the U.S. fuel supply. The Act will limit exemptions to companies and their affiliates that produce less than 75,000 barrels of oil per day.

While retailers would not be required to sell E15, the expected increase in ethanol demand could require an additional 2.4 billion bushels of corn annually.

"This legislation provides market certainty for farmers, retailers, ethanol producers and consumers," said Perdue. "We can use what we produce here at home to grow renewable fuels markets, expand use of higher-level blends of ethanol and sustainable aviation fuel. It's time now for the Senate to pick up the ball and get it over the line."