A standalone bill allowing nationwide year-round sales of E15 is still expected to receive a vote in the U.S. House this week, but the path to that vote has created growing frustration among many agriculture state lawmakers.
The tension began when Speaker Mike Johnson removed E15 language from the larger Farm Bill package during negotiations aimed at securing support from oil state Republicans and advancing other legislative priorities.
While House leadership has maintained that E15 would still move forward separately, some lawmakers from both parties, including representatives from major agriculture states, have voiced concern about whether the promised standalone vote will ultimately happen.
Despite those frustrations, House Agriculture Committee Chairman Glenn “GT” Thompson says he continues to strongly support year-round E15.
Thompson’s support carries additional significance because his Pennsylvania district includes both historic oil production and refinery interests. During remarks to reporters in Washington, D.C., Thompson pointed to that background while explaining why he believes E15 benefits extend beyond agriculture alone.
At the same time, Thompson acknowledged the issue ultimately moved outside the direct jurisdiction of the House Agriculture Committee and into negotiations involving House leadership and the Energy and Commerce Committee.
The handling of E15 has become a sensitive issue for many farm state lawmakers and ethanol supporters who believe the policy had enough bipartisan support to remain attached to the broader Farm Bill package.
Supporters of year-round E15 argue the policy would provide long-term certainty for fuel retailers and ethanol producers while expanding market access for corn growers. They also point to lower fuel costs and broader fuel supply benefits for consumers.
Thompson says despite concerns over the political process surrounding the legislation, he believes the policy itself continues to have broad support.
House leadership has continued signaling that the standalone E15 bill is expected to come before the House this week, though many agriculture groups and lawmakers are watching closely to see whether that vote ultimately materializes.
