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Year-round E15 “closer than ever”

The senior vice president of government and public affairs at the Renewable Fuels Association says a legislative fix to allow year-round E15 is closer than it’s ever been before.

“I think we’re at a better than 50% chance to get this done by the end of the year,” says Troy Bredenkamp.

Without a special waiver from the Environmental Protection Agency, the use of a 15% blend of ethanol in gasoline is not allowed in the summer due to smog concerns. Research has shown E15 has the same clean-air benefits as E10. 

He says it’s been difficult to get a permanent fix to allow year-round E15 use. A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the Senate called the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act and is led by Senators Deb Fischer from Nebraska and Tammy Duckworth from Illinois.

“Getting it to a point to where we can get it through the Environment and Public Works Committee, the idea is to get a House introduction quick and attach it to the continuing resolution or farm bill extension so it can be passed by the end of the year.”

Bredenkamp says while it’s a tough political environment in Washington D.C., he’s optimistic the legislation can make it across the finish line allowing year-round E15.