US Congress ethanol caucus tables plan to break E15 deadlock

A bipartisan group of lawmakers and industry stakeholders in the United States Congress has put forward a fresh proposal aimed at ending a long-running impasse over the future of E15.
The fuel, cheaper than standard gasoline and approved for use in most vehicles, has been at the centre of heated debate in Washington for years. Under the latest plan, representatives from biofuel producers, agricultural groups and major oil interests have reportedly reached a tentative deal to secure year-round access to E15 nationwide.
The proposal, which would be introduced as the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2026, also includes revisions to the controversial small refinery exemption system, seen by many as a barrier to broader ethanol use.
Supporters argue that a permanent legislative solution would provide much-needed certainty to farmers, refiners and retailers, and could stimulate demand for domestic corn while lowering costs at the pump.
However, efforts to include year-round E15 language in recent funding legislation stalled, leading to the creation of an E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council tasked with developing legislative options.
Advocates now hope that the council can forge a durable compromise before the summer driving season, amid growing frustration across the biofuels sector at continuing delays.