Legislation Paves the Way for Year-Round E15 Sales, A Win for Illinois Corn

The IL Corn Growers Association (IL Corn) & National Corn Growers Association applauds a bipartisan group of U.S. House members for introducing the “Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act,” which would grant consumers year-round access to higher ethanol blends.

“This legislation is critical in removing unnecessary restrictions on ethanol sales, particularly during the summer months. It’s a win for both consumers and farmers, helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions, lower fuel prices, and provide a stable market for Illinois corn growers,” said Illinois farmer and IL Corn Growers Association President Dave Rylander.

The introduction of this legislation is particularly significant for Illinois, where nearly one-third of the corn grown is used for ethanol production. This creates a vital market for Illinois corn farmers, supporting rural economies across the state. Ensuring year-round access to E15 would strengthen this market and provide stability for growers, making it easier for them to continue investing in sustainable practices and innovation in the ethanol industry. By expanding access to ethanol blends, the legislation would also promote energy independence and environmental benefits for the entire region.

The bill lead sponsors are Reps. Adrian Smith (R-Neb.), Angie Craig (D-Minn.), Sharice Davids (D-Kan.), Dusty Johnson (R-S.D.), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL.), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-Iowa), seeks to address the limitations on selling 15% ethanol blends, commonly referred to as E15, during the summer months under current federal policy. Also co-sponsoring the bill are Reps. Mike Bost (R-IL), Robin Kelly (D-IL), Darin LaHood (R-IL), Mary Miller (R-IL) and Eric Sorenson (D-IL).

While the Clean Air Act gives the EPA authority to issue temporary waivers in cases of fuel shortages, this policy has created uncertainty for corn growers and contributed to higher fuel prices for consumers, particularly during the summer driving season.

Although the Biden administration has issued temporary waivers in recent years, farmers and Midwest governors have long been advocating for a permanent solution. This bill would provide that answer.

Similar legislation, championed by Senators Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W.Va.), and Tammy Baldwin (D-Wis.), has been introduced in the Senate. Corn growers have voiced strong support for both versions of the bill.

"Our champions in both chambers of Congress have sponsored and co-sponsored sound and sensible legislation that will remove a major market barrier, for us” said Minnesota corn grower and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “Now we call on their colleagues and the president to do what it takes to ensure this legislation becomes law.”

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