House passes bill to boost ethanol with year-round sales of higher blends in fuel
House lawmakers passed a measure to allow year-round sale of ethanol blend, known as E15, giving a boost to farmers sought for months by corn-state lawmakers.
TL;DR
- The House of Representatives approved the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act by a vote of 218-203.
- This legislation allows for the nationwide sale of E15 gasoline, a blend containing 10.5% to 15% ethanol, throughout the year.
- The bill aims to support corn farmers and potentially lower gas prices, a move advocated by some lawmakers and organizations like the American Farm Bureau Federation.
- Opposition comes from some Republican leadership, small refiners, and representatives from oil-producing states, who are concerned about increased costs and impacts on refining capacity.
- The bill also amends the Renewable Fuel Standard, which could limit EPA exemptions for small refineries.
- The EPA had previously issued an emergency waiver for E15 sales from May 1 to May 20 to help reduce gas prices.