A bipartisan bill introduced by members of the U.S. House would expand the production and availability of American biofuels.

The Home Front Energy Independence Act, introduced by Reps. Angie Craig (D-MN), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), Cheri Bustos (D-IL) and Ashley Hinson (R-IA), would make E15 available year-round, establish an E15 tax credit and extend the tax credit for biodiesel, and direct the EPA to finalize their E15 labeling rule. U.S. Senators Amy Klobuchar (D-MN) and Joni Ernst (R-IA) introduced companion legislation in the Senate last week.

The bipartisan legislation will also codify into law full restrictions on U.S. purchases of Russian oil until the president determines Russia recognizes the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine. The current excess ethanol capacity domestically is nearly the same as the amount of Russian gas the U.S. had been importing – roughly 83 million barrels versus 87 million barrels.

“This commonsense legislation would bring immediate economic relief to American families who are experiencing unprecedented pain at the pump, while simultaneously reducing emissions of greenhouse gases and tailpipe pollutants linked to cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses,” said Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association. “Not only would the bill eliminate dependence on Russian oil imports, but it would also ensure that those imports are replaced by more affordable renewable fuels produced right here in America’s heartland.”