U. S. Bipartisan bill reintroduced for nationwide sales of higher ethanol blend gasoline
A bipartisan U.S. Senate bill aims to allow year-round nationwide sales of E15 gasoline, benefiting corn farmers and the biofuel industry. Supported by the American Petroleum Institute, the bill would override inconsistent regulations limiting E15 sales in summer. Advocates argue it ensures fuel availability, lowers costs, and strengthens U.S. energy security.
A bipartisan bill that would permit year-round nationwide sales of gasoline containing a higher ethanol blend, known as E15, was reintroduced in the U.S. Senate on Thursday. The bill has received support from a prominent oil trade group, the American Petroleum Institute.
The bill, reintroduced by Senator Deb Fischer, a Republican from Nebraska, and other senators including Democrat Tammy Duckworth from Illinois, aims to eliminate inconsistent regulations that currently limit the availability of E15 to certain regions of the U.S.
The biofuel industry and corn farmers, who would see increased market opportunities from year-round sales of E15, have long championed this cause. Fischer and Democratic Senator Amy Klobuchar from Minnesota first introduced the bill in 2023. At present, the U.S. government limits the sales of E15 gasoline during summer months due to concerns about smog, a claim disputed by the biofuel industry.
If the legislation is passed, it would likely supersede a request approved by the Biden administration in February 2024, which allowed for expanded sales of E15 in Midwestern states later this year. This request is less attractive to industry stakeholders compared to the proposed nationwide legislation, as it could potentially lead to localized fuel price surges and supply problems.
The American Petroleum Institute (API), an oil trade group that has occasionally been in disagreement with the biofuel industry, expressed its support for Fischer’s legislation. Will Hupman, API’s vice president of downstream policy, stated that “Year-round, nationwide E15 sales will prevent a confusing patchwork of state regulations and give consumers reliable access to the fuels they use every day.”
The biofuel industry welcomed the bill. Emily Skor, CEO of U.S. biofuel trade association Growth Energy, said, “This bill would bring long-overdue certainty to the marketplace, save consumers money, drive growth across the heartland, and reinforce American energy dominance.”
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Source : Investing.com
