Brian Glenn, director of government affairs at the American Farm Bureau Federation, urged Congress to act this week as the House prepares a vote on legislation to allow Year-round E15. The chamber is scheduled to consider H.R. 1346, which would permanently authorize the year-round sale of E15 and adjust provisions tied to refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Glenn told reporters the bill both permits wider retail access to lower‑ethanol blends and tightens relief for oil refineries that seek exemptions. "This bill authorizes the sale of E15 year-round and makes reforms to small refinery exemptions to help ensure only true small oil refineries can receive relief," he said.
He argued the change addresses an anomaly in the Clean Air Act that currently limits year-round sales to E10 despite research showing E15 is safe for most motor vehicles. Glenn said Congress must amend the Clean Air Act to provide certainty for farmers and fuel providers across the supply chain.
Expected market impacts
The American Farm Bureau estimates that permanently authorizing year-round E15 could 2.4 billion bushels of additional corn demand annually if broadly adopted by fuel retailers. AFBF projects that greater E15 availability would expand ethanol blending volumes and pull more corn into the domestic fuel market.
AFBF also cited consumer savings tied to E15 at the pump; Glenn said E15 typically sells for about 10–30¢ per gallon less than regular unleaded at participating stations. He framed those savings as relief for drivers while noting the policy also matters to corn growers who supply ethanol plants.
How to respond
Glenn stressed the small refinery exemption reforms aim to ensure only true small refineries receive relief from blending obligations under the RFS, which AFBF says would restore intended market demand for biofuels. The group is encouraging members and the public to contact lawmakers in support of H.R. 1346.
The House is scheduled to vote on H.R. 1346 on Wednesday, May 13. Farmers and supporters can learn more or voice support for year-round E15 through the American Farm Bureau's advocacy page at fb.org.
Image credit: www.fb.org
