Farm state members of Congress are also attempting to use the must pass FY 2026 funding measure as the legislative vehicle to get federal restrictions lifted on full-year U.S. sales of higher ethanol fuel blends, known as E15. The longtime effort by biofuel producers and growers of corn, used in E15 fuel production, is gaining support. Sen. Deb Fischer (R-NE) a leading proponent for allowing year-round use of the E15 blend has again introduced legislation, S. 593, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, that would amend the Clean Air Act to lift the current restriction. Sen. John Boozman and Sen. Amy Klobuchar, Chair and top Democrat respectively on the Senate Ag Committee, are both involved in discussions to make it happen and indicate growing support for the initiative. The House version of the legislation, H.R. 1346, also has bipartisan support with numerous co-sponsors from both parties.
