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The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation that would allow year-round sales of E15 gasoline nationwide, marking a major step for Nebraska’s ethanol industry and corn growers.The bill, known as the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, passed Wednesday with bipartisan support. Supporters say the measure would permanently allow E15 fuel, gasoline blended with 15% ethanol, to be sold throughout the summer months.Currently, federal regulations restrict E15 sales during the summer over concerns tied to ground-level air pollution and fuel volatility. Since 2019, the federal government has issued temporary emergency waivers to keep E15 available during the summer driving season.Nebraska Ethanol Board Executive Director Ben Rhodes called the vote a milestone after years of advocacy.“After 15 years of working on this issue, this was the first ever congressional vote on E15,” Rhodes said.Nebraska stands to benefit significantly if the legislation becomes law. The state ranks second nationally in ethanol production, behind only Iowa, with 24 ethanol plants producing roughly two billion gallons annually.Rhodes said about 700 million bushels of corn are used in Nebraska’s ethanol industry each year, and year-round E15 access would open new markets for producers.Nebraska lawmakers also praised the House action. Mike Flood called the bill a “commonsense answer” to lower fuel costs and expand domestic markets, while Deb Fischer said the move provides “stability and certainty” for producers and consumers.Supporters also argue E15 could help drivers save money at the pump, with some Nebraska stations reportedly selling the fuel for significantly less than standard E10 gasoline.The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate.Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
The U.S. House of Representatives has passed legislation that would allow year-round sales of E15 gasoline nationwide, marking a major step for Nebraska’s ethanol industry and corn growers.
The bill, known as the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, passed Wednesday with bipartisan support. Supporters say the measure would permanently allow E15 fuel, gasoline blended with 15% ethanol, to be sold throughout the summer months.
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Currently, federal regulations restrict E15 sales during the summer over concerns tied to ground-level air pollution and fuel volatility. Since 2019, the federal government has issued temporary emergency waivers to keep E15 available during the summer driving season.
Nebraska Ethanol Board Executive Director Ben Rhodes called the vote a milestone after years of advocacy.
“After 15 years of working on this issue, this was the first ever congressional vote on E15,” Rhodes said.
Nebraska stands to benefit significantly if the legislation becomes law. The state ranks second nationally in ethanol production, behind only Iowa, with 24 ethanol plants producing roughly two billion gallons annually.
Rhodes said about 700 million bushels of corn are used in Nebraska’s ethanol industry each year, and year-round E15 access would open new markets for producers.
Nebraska lawmakers also praised the House action. Mike Flood called the bill a “commonsense answer” to lower fuel costs and expand domestic markets, while Deb Fischer said the move provides “stability and certainty” for producers and consumers.
Supporters also argue E15 could help drivers save money at the pump, with some Nebraska stations reportedly selling the fuel for significantly less than standard E10 gasoline.
The bill now heads to the U.S. Senate.
Make sure you can always see the latest news, weather, sports and more from KETV NewsWatch 7 on Google search.
NAVIGATE: Home | Weather | Local News | National | Sports | Newscasts on demand |
