Supporters of a proposal to expand nationwide sales of higher-ethanol E15 gasoline are mounting a final push to secure Senate approval, the last major hurdle before the measure can reach U.S. President Donald Trump’s desk. After narrowly passing the House of Representatives in May, advocates are now seeking to attach the provision to larger must-pass legislation, such as the Farm Bill or federal appropriations packages, to improve its chances of success in a deeply divided Senate.
The proposal faces significant challenges as supporters must secure 60 votes to overcome a potential filibuster. While Midwestern lawmakers and farm-state Democrats back the measure for its potential to boost demand for corn-based ethanol, opposition remains strong among refinery-state legislators, fiscal conservatives, and some environmental groups concerned about costs, fuel standards, and emissions. Industry observers say the complex negotiations will require balancing the interests of both agricultural and refining sectors.
A key point of contention involves exemptions for small refineries from federal biofuel blending requirements. Senators are negotiating possible adjustments to exemption rules, including revisiting the proposed 75,000-barrel-per-day threshold and determining how blending obligations should be distributed among larger refiners. Supporters hope to secure a compromise before the end of September, though advocates say they are prepared to pursue the measure through future legislation if Senate approval is delayed.
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