How Expanded Access to E15 Could Help America Prosper

Farmers are key to American prosperity. Through hardships and unpredictability, they've put in the work to help our nation thrive.

Every day, they keep our country fueled and fed, while driving $176 billion in agricultural exports that support communities throughout the nation.

But today, America's corn farmers are facing an impending crisis. Economic pressures are once again hitting farm families hard, with the data to prove it: 2025 is projected to be the third consecutive year of net losses for America's corn farmers. Unless immediate action is taken, more farmers will be forced to make heartbreaking decisions about their livelihoods.

American farmers, their families and their communities cannot withstand another season of uncertainty. They need swift action and lasting solutions. Expanding access to E15 is an important first step toward delivering both.

Ethanol is an Economic Driver

Today, regular gasoline contains 10% ethanol, but E15 goes a step further. Blended with 15% ethanol and often labeled as Unleaded 88, E15 takes advantage of all that corn-based ethanol has to offer consumers, farmers and the country. It is also safe for use in all vehicles model year 2001 and newer, covering more than 96% of the cars on the road today, without costing taxpayers a dime. On top of that, drivers save money at the pump every time they fill up with E15.

Unfortunately, outdated regulatory barriers block full-market access to E15, creating unnecessary obstacles and delaying critical support for rural communities just when they need it most.

Yet again, this year farmers will fail to make a profit on the heels of a $6.5 billion decline in income between 2023 and 2024. Since January, the trading price of corn has declined by more than 60 cents per bushel.

Expanding E15 access drives demand for corn and financially stabilizes the crop for the benefit of the entire country.

Case in point: last year the ethanol industry supported 56,000 direct jobs and 258,000 more indirect jobs. This created $28.3 billion in household income and added $53 billion to our national GDP. At the same time, the ethanol industry generated over $10 billion in tax revenue across all levels of government, making needed investments in rural schools and infrastructure possible.

This home-grown fuel puts food on the table, powers homes, delivers clean water, and fuels access to education and opportunity.

Now imagine the progress with even greater access to higher ethanol blends.

Taking Action

As American farmers grapple with declining prices and dwindling income, policymakers have two choices:

1. Accept the status quo.
2. Take action to stimulate the national economy and uplift families and businesses throughout the heartland.

The choice is urgent. Congress must act now by passing the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. Failure to act will leave American farm families to shoulder the burden alone leaving many to make the unbearable decision to leave multigenerational livelihoods. Decisive action will stabilize markets, strengthen rural communities, and deliver lower-cost fuel for consumers nationwide.

This bipartisan legislation removes archaic barriers, making E15 available year-round at gas stations in all 50 states. Consumers across the country would benefit from the choice of a lower-cost fuel at the pump, and rural economies would get the economic boost they urgently need.