SC Nebraska News

Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), co-chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, issued a statement following the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to grant a waiver for E15 sales this summer in eight midwestern states. The EPA also expressed support for the long-term viability of year-round E15.

"The Trump administration’s continued support for the long-term success of year-round E15 is welcome news," Smith stated. "There has never been a good reason to deny hardworking producers, retailers, and consumers the greater flexibility, choice, productivity, and certainty E15 brings to the U.S. fuel market."

Smith highlighted his collaboration with Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) and Sen. Fischer on legislation aimed at permanently authorizing year-round E15 sales. He emphasized that their bill offers "science-backed policy which is good for our economy and our environment." Smith added that domestic production potential should be reflected in a competitive Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) set and encouraged through timely guidance for relevant programs.

Congressman Smith initially proposed a bill to approve year-round sale of E15 in 2015. Recently, on February 6, 2025, he and Rep. Craig led nearly 30 colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. The letter underscored the role of the American biofuels industry in enhancing energy abundance and affordability while urging the EPA to provide science-driven guidance to meet RFS requirements.

On February 13, Smith introduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to enable nationwide year-round sales of E15.