U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst (R-IA) recently led a bipartisan, bicameral contingent of lawmakers in introducing legislation that seeks to help cut excessive bureaucracy around E15 fuel.
“Estimates show access to E15 at the fuel pump can save consumers up to 30 cents per gallon,” Rep. Smith said. “This bipartisan bill recognizes E15 compatibility with existing infrastructure and reduces red tape for retailers who wish to provide consumers with more options at the pump.”
The congressman on Aug. 1 sponsored the Ethanol for America Act of 2025, H.R. 4864, alongside seven original cosponsors, including U.S. Reps. Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), Dusty Johnson (R-SD), and Randy Feenstra (R-IA).
If enacted, H.R. 4864 would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize its Jan. 15, 2021 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), entitled the “E15 Dispenser Labeling and Compatibility with Underground Storage Tanks,” to make the E15 fuel label clearer and more consumer-oriented.
The bill also would confirm the compatibility of E15 with existing underground fuel storage and dispensing equipment to help ensure that business owners are not required to make costly and unnecessary infrastructure changes, according to a bill summary provided by congressional staff.
Sen. Ernst on July 31 sponsored the identical S. 2591 in her chamber alongside five original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).
“It’s no secret that access to E15 creates lower prices at the pump for consumers, value added to homegrown crops, stronger rural communities, and domestic energy dominance,” Sen. Ernst said. “I’m working to remove regulatory roadblocks and ensure biofuels are offered to folks filling up their cars using existing infrastructure at local gas stations across our nation. We cannot allow outdated red tape to stand in the way of unleashing the benefits of E15.”
The legislation is supported by the Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy.
Additionally, Rep. Smith, Rep. Budzinski, Sen. Ernst, and Sen. Klobuchar joined 13 of their fellow lawmakers in urging EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to deem existing fuel infrastructure compatible with E15.
Specifically, they requested that the EPA finalize the 2021 NPRM by simplifying the E15 dispenser label and confirming the compatibility of E15 with existing underground storage and dispensing equipment, according to the letter.
“Finalizing this rule will help expand access to higher ethanol blends and remove unnecessary barriers at the pump,” wrote the lawmakers.