Smith, Johnson, Fischer propose bill to bolster year-round sale of ethanol-blend gas

To allow for the year-round, nationwide sale of E-15 gasoline having a higher blend of ethanol, U.S. Reps. Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Dusty Johnson (R-SD) and U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) on March 14 introduced a bipartisan, bicameral bill that would extend the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) volatility waiver to ethanol blends above 10 percent.

“Year-round E-15 has broad, bipartisan support in Congress and from key stakeholders,” Rep. Smith said. “Moving forward with year-round E-15 would provide consumers affordable fuel options while boosting American energy independence, which is why the recent proposal from the Biden administration to allow for year-round E-15 in just eight states next summer is not enough.” 

Rep. Smith sponsored the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, H.R. 1608, with 17 original cosponsors, including Rep. Johnson and U.S. Reps. Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA), Sam Graves (R-MO), Don Bacon (R-NE), Mike Bost (R-IL), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), Darin LaHood (R-IL), and Angie Craig (D-MN).

“E15 use year-round would drastically improve the domestic production and supply of energy in America,” said Rep. Johnson. “We got this bill passed in Congress last year, and I’m looking forward to doing so again, and getting year-round E15 signed into law.”

Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) sponsored the same-named S. 785 alongside 16 original cosponsors, including U.S. Sens. John Thune (R-SD), Mike Rounds (R-SD), Jerry Moran (R-KS), Joni Ernst (R-IA), John Hoeven (R-ND), and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

“Our bipartisan legislation is the only permanent, nationwide solution to unleashing the power of year-round E15,” Sen. Fischer tweeted on Tuesday. “Negating the need for a patchwork of regulations will ensure all Americans can enjoy lower costs at the pump.”

Specifically, the bill aims to ensure consistency and limit disruptions across the national fuel supply chain by prohibiting the removal of the 1-psi waiver for E-10 ethanol, according to a bill summary provided by the lawmakers.

The legislation is supported by numerous stakeholder groups, including Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association.

“Consumers need year-round, nationwide E-15 and they need it now,” said Rep. Smith. “I thank my colleagues in the House and Senate for partnering with me on this important bill.”