Supporters of year-round E15 gasoline sales are making another push in Congress, but significant hurdles remain before the measure can become law. Backers of the proposal are working to attach E15 language to a larger must-pass bill in hopes of advancing the policy through a closely divided U.S. Senate. The effort would allow nationwide sales of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol throughout the year, a move strongly supported by corn growers and the ethanol industry.
Industry groups are also negotiating potential concessions for fuel refiners in an attempt to broaden support and avoid opposition that could derail the measure. “This is a complicated, unwieldy process that is very unpredictable,” one industry executive familiar with the discussions told Reuters. “Any change needed to gain support from one group risks losing support from another.” If approved by Congress, the legislation would head to President Trump for his signature.
-NAFB