New Survey Shows Broad, Bipartisan Support For Year-Round E15 In Minnesota

Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association poll finds strong support for E15 access, fuel affordability and homegrown energy

Burnsville, Aug 3 - A new statewide survey conducted by the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association in partnership with Morning Consult shows strong, bipartisan support for ethanol, E15 and permanent year-round access to E15 (often sold as Unleaded 88) among Minnesotans.

As Minnesota heads into an election year, fuel affordability, agriculture, and energy policy are top of mind for voters, candidates, and policymakers. The survey shows that E15 has strong public support and that voters are receptive to policies that expand access to lower-cost, homegrown fuel options.

The survey of 950 Minnesota adults found that 68% support selling E15 year-round on a permanent basis, with majority support from Democrats, Republicans and independents. After respondents learned more about ethanol and E15, support for year-round E15 increased to 76%.

"These findings confirm what we have seen and heard across the state this summer: E15 is widely supported because it gives drivers a lower-cost option, supports Minnesota farmers, improves air quality, and strengthens homegrown energy," said Brian Werner, executive director of the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association. "At a time when affordability remains a top concern for families, year-round access to E15 is a practical solution that unites voters across party lines."

The survey also found that 57% of Minnesotans view E15 favorably, and half of respondents say they would be more likely to support an elected official who works to expand access to the fuel. Messages that highlighted potential benefits such as cleaner air, support for Minnesota farmers, and American energy independence tended to resonate most with respondents. The findings also point to a clear opportunity for education, as many Minnesotans are open to E15 but still have questions about what it is and whether their vehicle can use it.

E15, often marketed as Unleaded 88, is a gasoline blend made with 15% ethanol. The fuel is approved for use in all light-duty vehicles model year 2001 and newer and is consistently priced lower than traditional gasoline. Expanding year-round access would allow more drivers to benefit from lower-cost fuel options throughout the year.

The U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act on May 13, 2026, with support from the full Minnesota congressional delegation. The bill is pending in the Senate.

Werner will be at Farmfest this week (Tues. August 4-Wednesday, August 5) and available for interviews to discuss the survey findings, year-round E15 access, fuel affordability and the role of biofuels in Minnesota's agriculture economy. He will also participate in the Ag Outlook Forum on Wednesday, Aug. 5.

Read more:

Summary of Morning Consult's Survey Findings

Werner's Op-Ed In The Marshall Independent : Minnesotans Broadly Support E15 - Now US Senate Should Act