SC Nebraska News

Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE), Angie Craig (D-MN), Ashley Hinson (R-IA), and Mark Pocan (D-WI) are spearheading a bypartisan effort, backed by 25 other members of Congress, to propose a seasonal waiver for E15 fuel blends. This initiative seeks to alleviate fuel prices by allowing for the nationwide sale of E-15, a blend containing up to 15 percent ethanol, during the summer months.

In their appeal, the representatives urged President Donald Trump to extend the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) waiver. This would enable the sale of E15 from June 1 through September 15, 2025 and reflect support for direct engagement with requests from eight Midwestern states, including Nebraska. The goal is to ensure consistent access to ethanol blends across these regions.

The letter emphasized, “To safeguard our energy supply, we must preserve the home-grown, affordable option higher ethanol blends provide." It acknowledged the administration’s pursuit of American energy independence as a long-term objective but stressed the importance of immediate action through this waiver. Additionally, the availability of E15 is viewed as a measure to enhance the nation's energy resilience, reduce consumer costs, and support biofuels and agriculture industries.

Adrian Smith has been a proponent of E15 accessibility, dating back to a 2015 bill he introduced for year-round sales. In February 2025, Smith, alongside Representative Craig and nearly 30 others, wrote to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin advocating for the biofuels industry. They emphasized its role in maintaining energy abundance and affordability, pushing for EPA's timely and science-based execution of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).

Earlier in February, Smith and Craig also introduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. This bicameral legislation aims to permit the year-round sale of E15 nationwide, reflecting ongoing bipartisan efforts to expand biofuel usage and related economic benefits.