President Donald Trump called on Congress on Tuesday to finalize a deal permitting year-round sales of E15 gasoline, which contains 15% ethanol.
The continuous sale of E15 could provide a boost to the state’s corn farmers as well as small and mid-sized refiners. Moreover, a higher supply could potentially lower gas prices, offering relief to consumers.
Trump, who had campaigned on year-round E15, stated during a rally in Clive, Iowa, that he would start implementing it immediately. The president indicated coordinating with House Speaker Mike Johnson and the Senate Majority Leader John Thune to secure a year-round E15 deal.
“They’re very close to getting it done,” said Trump.
Under existing rules, gas stations in several states must halt E15 sales on May 1 to curb smog on hot days. However, both Trump and former President Joe Biden have previously issued waivers permitting summer sales of E15 amid rising fuel prices. During his first term, Trump ordered the EPA to permit year-round E15 sales, but the Supreme Court blocked the plan by declining to review a lower court ruling that had struck it down.
Farmers’ Body Welcomes Move
E15 is popular in farm-belt states like Iowa and Nebraska, as higher ethanol blends, made largely from corn, increase income for local farmers.
The announcement has been met with appreciation from the Iowa Corn Growers Association. Vice President Steve Kuiper stated that the passage of year-round E15 is the lifeline many farmers need to continue farming. Before Trump’s visit, Iowa Corn and the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association urged the President to push permanent E15 legislation, saying long-term access is vital for the state’s economy. Farmers argue that higher-ethanol fuel is cheaper and more environmentally friendly, and Congress should remove outdated summer restrictions.
Trump’s decision comes at a time when the Transport Secretary Sean Duffy has been praising affordable gas prices as a win for the Trump administration. When last checked, the average per-gallon price was at $2.879 compared to $3.120 on the same date last year.
Disclaimer: This content was partially produced with the help of AI tools and was reviewed and published by Benzinga editors.
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