The U.S. House passed legislation on Wednesday that would allow nationwide year-round sales of gasoline containing 15% ethanol, handing a major win to biofuel producers and farm groups while raising concerns among refiners about higher compliance costs.
The H.R. 1346 bill, or the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, approved by a vote of 218 to 203, would permit fuel retailers to offer E15 year-round, removing seasonal restrictions linked to smog concerns.
The legislation would need to pass the Senate, where it needs 60% of votes, and get a signature from President Donald Trump to be enacted.
Supporters say allowing year-round E15 sales would expand biofuel demand and help lower fuel prices that have spiked since the start of the Iran war. Critics argue it risks raising costs for refiners already facing higher compliance burdens under federal biofuel mandates.
