Legislation lifts seasonal restrictions on higher-ethanol fuel, boosting demand for corn and ethanol producers after repeated prior failures.
The US House of Representatives passed a bill allowing year-round sales of E15 gasoline, which contains 15% ethanol, across the country. The move ends seasonal bans that have limited E15 availability for over a decade, aiming to expand the market for the fuel.
Previous attempts to lift restrictions failed due to opposition from refiners and environmental groups. The legislation is seen as a win for corn farmers and ethanol producers, who have lobbied for broader E15 adoption to increase demand for corn-based ethanol.
The bill now heads to the Senate, where its prospects remain uncertain amid divided views on ethanol mandates and environmental impacts.