Davids Introduces Bipartisan Bill to Codify Year-Round E15 Fuel Usage

Today, Representative Sharice Davids helped introduce the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill that expands access to lower-cost, homegrown fuel. By allowing the year-round, nationwide sale of E15 ethanol-blended fuel, this legislation will help lower gas prices for Kansans, support local farmers, and strengthen domestic supply chains. Ethanol is produced from locally grown products and is more affordable than unblended gasoline, making this a win for both consumers and agriculture professionals.

Davids was joined by Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE-03), Angie Craig (D-MN-02), Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), and Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-01). Sens. Deb Fischer (R-NE) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) introduced companion legislation in the Senate.

"I'm proud to help introduce this bipartisan bill that would enable permanent, nationwide sales of E15, helping families save at the gas pump while supporting our agricultural community and enhancing our nation's energy security,” said Davids. “This is how Congress should function: both parties coming together to address the most pressing challenges facing everyday folks.”

For multiple years, Davids has urged the EPA to guarantee the sale of this E15 not only during the summer but also year-round. This would reduce our reliance on foreign oil, build U.S. energy security, and support Kansas agriculture and manufacturing. Davids previously visited East Kansas Agri-Energy (EKAE), a Garnett-based renewable ethanol producer, as part of her Farm Bill listening tour. EKAE, which received federal funding to assist with business operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, has around 40 full-time employees and relies heavily on Kansas corn producers to supply the crops needed to make the biofuel.

"I have been fighting to eliminate unnecessary, unscientific, and misguided barriers to E15 access since 2010. It is time to enact year-round E15 nationwide to provide relief at the pump and certainty for producers," said Representative Adrian Smith (R-NE-03). "I thank my House colleagues and Senator Fischer for their partnership on our tenacious bipartisan efforts to honor congressional intent in the RFS. From ethanol to biomass-based diesel to sustainable aviation fuel, the world depends on liquid biofuels to meet consumer demand and move us forward. We have just scratched the surface of our production capacity, which is why it is so important to codify year-round E15 and ensure robust RFS volumes.”

“Homegrown biofuels are tools we have right now to address climate change, strengthen our nation’s energy infrastructure and lower costs for Americans at the gas pump,” said Representative Angie Craig (D-MN-02). “This bill is the kind of commonsense legislation we need more of in Washington, and I’m proud to be a part of the bipartisan coalition fighting for year-round E15 in the House.”

“Unlocking American energy includes boosting production of American biofuels. Year-round availability of E15 will boost American-made fuel, lower gas prices, and improve our economy and environment," said Representative Dusty Johnson (R-SD-AL). "I’m proud to continue to help lead this effort that will benefit producers and consumers.”

“Higher blends of biofuels help folks save money at the gas pump, reduce our dependence on foreign oil, cut carbon emissions and support critical markets for Illinois family farmers,” said Representative Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13). “I’m proud to represent one of our nation’s top corn-producing regions and to champion biofuels production on behalf of my constituents - including as a co-lead of the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. Producers and consumers need more certainty and I’m confident that this legislation can take us across the finish line to secure year-round E-15.”

"Temporary waivers allowing the sale of E15 in the summer are not a viable long-term solution for Iowa’s energy leadership,” said Representative Mariannette Miller-Meeks (R-IA-01). “This legislation will allow for permanent, nationwide sales of E15 which will lower costs for Americans at the gas pump, reduce emissions, and put an end to fuel supply disruptions. And it supports Iowa and American farmers over Brazil. I urge the House and Senate to pass our bipartisan bill to unleash our domestic energy potential."

Previously, Davids has taken multiple actions to lower gas prices for Kansans by:

• Voting for the Year-Round Fuel Choice Act, which allow retailers the ability to sell higher ethanol-blended fuels year-round,
• Helping to pass legislation that promotes sustainable aviation fuel, a liquid fuel that achieves significant emissions reduction compared to fossil-based jet fuel,
• Supporting legislation that expands biofuels infrastructure, opening up new market opportunities for sustainable fuel sources and lower energy costs for Kansas families,
• Pushing the President to suspend the federal gas tax, providing immediate relief to Kansans at the gas pump.

The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act has broad support from stakeholders, including Growth Energy, Petroleum Institute, Renewable Fuels Nebraska, and Nebraska Corn Growers Association.