A new poll conducted by Morning Consult on behalf of the Renewable Fuels Association shows strong support for legislation allowing year-round access to lower-cost 15 percent ethanol blended fuel, or E15. The survey of nearly 2,000 registered voters also showed a record level of support for the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Voter support for increasing availability of the E15 blend is at its highest level—72 percent—since RFA began quarterly polling in 2016. Two-thirds of respondents back the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, legislation to allow the nationwide year-round sale of the blend, while just 12 percent say they oppose the legislation and 21 percent had no opinion.
Roughly one-quarter of survey respondents say they have had the opportunity to purchase E15; and of those respondents, 62 percent said they purchased the fuel. Yet, slightly more than half of those surveyed have not had an opportunity to buy lower-cost E15, and another 23 percent were unsure if they have had that opportunity.
Voter support for the Renewable Fuel Standard policy is at 69 percent, the highest ever since RFA began quarterly polling.
The survey also shows continued support for the use of E85 flex fuel, with 68 percent of respondents backing the promotion and sale of flex fuel vehicles that can use either that blend or regular unleaded gasoline. Fifty-eight percent said they are very or somewhat interested in buying an FFV, compared to only 39 percent for electric vehicles.