Year-round sales of E15, a cleaner-burning, lower-cost fuel containing 15% ethanol, would be permanently maintained nationwide under new federal legislation.

The Year-Round Fuel Choice Act, introduced Wednesday by a bipartisan group of 22 representatives and 12 senators, including lead sponsorship by Minnesota Rep. Angie Craig and Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, would remove outdated regulatory barriers that could prevent future year-round sales.

Specifically, it would codify the authority of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to grant waivers allowing for summertime sales of E15 and higher blend fuels.

A 2019 EPA rule allowed for the waivers, but earlier this month, in response to a lawsuit filed by oil refineries, a federal appeals court ruled the EPA could not grant the waivers under existing law.

The court ruling, which had nothing to do with the quality, safety and environmental benefits of E15 as a fuel, cannot go into effect for at least 45 days. That means there will not be an immediate impact on E15 sales and availability, and drivers can continue to fill up with it.

MCGA President Tim Waibel, a farmer in Courtland, Minnesota, thanked the bipartisan group of legislators for introducing the bill, which would permanently ensure the availability of higher-octane, lower-carbon biofuel blends that benefit all Minnesotans.

 “MCGA is proud to support policies that promote the use of cleaner-burning, economic fuel options that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and improve air quality,” he said. “We look forward to working with bipartisan representatives of Congress on a durable solution that would allow for continued market access and clarity for rural economies.”

Rep. Craig, the bill’s main sponsor in the House, led the introduction of the bill with Nebraska Republican Rep. Adrian Smith. In a statement, she said E15 and higher biofuel blends expand markets for family farmers, support economic growth in rural America and cut down on dangerous air pollutants.

“It’s long past time that the year-round sale of these renewable fuels was made permanent, expanding the market for lower-cost, lower-carbon fuel choices all across America,” she said. “I’m proud to work with Representative Smith on this critical legislation to support our biofuels producers and family farmers, while expanding options at the pump for consumers across the country.”

Sen. Klobuchar said in a statement that work must be done to diversify the fuel supply and invest in affordable, environmentally friendly solutions for consumers

“For the past three years, we’ve seen that making E15 gasoline accessible to drivers year-round is good for drivers, farmers and the environment,” she said. “It’s critical that we pass this bipartisan legislation to continue this progress and stay on the path to a greener future.”

These federal developments follow a Minnesota state legislative session in which — thanks to the grassroots advocacy efforts of MCGA — legislators committed $6 million to a biofuel-infrastructure program this biennium. Legislators also have called for allocating $6 million to the program in fiscal years 2024 and 2025, which would bring the total state investment to $12 million over four years.

E15, which is approved for use in passenger vehicles model year 2001 or newer, is offered at more than 380 fueling stations in Minnesota. Commonly known as Unleaded 88 at the pump, E15 reduces harmful greenhouse gas emissions by nearly half compared to regular gasoline.

To learn more about E15 and to find a station near you visit BetterFuel.org.