2026 begins the 14th year since E15 was first approved by the EPA in 2011 for use in model year 2001 and newer vehicles. For a brief moment in 2019, the fuel was approved for nationwide, year-round sales, before that action by President Trump in his first term was overturned.

But farmers and ethanol producers are not giving up and not giving in. This week a coalition of more than 70 biofuel and agricultural organizations called for the immediate passage of legislation to allow year-round nationwide sales of the American-made E15 fuel blend, containing 15 percent ethanol. Year-round E15 would benefit drivers with savings of 10 to 30 cents per gallon and improve markets for America’s farmers.

“The U.S. Department of Agriculture projects a record 16.8-billion-bushel corn harvest in 2025—up roughly 13 percent from 2024,” the groups wrote. “While this demonstrates the strength and productivity of America’s farmers, it also intensifies pressure on corn prices and farm incomes. Expanding E15 access is one of the most immediate and practical ways to address this imbalance. When fully scaled, year-round, nationwide E15 is poised to create new domestic demand for billions of bushels of corn and sorghum, help stabilize markets, support farmers, and deliver consumer savings at the pump.”

The letter was led by the Renewable Fuels Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, Growth Energy, and the National Corn Growers Association, and included many stakeholders including the American Coalition for Ethanol, Iowa RFA, Minnesota Bio-fuels, and Renewable Fuels Nebraska, along with state corn grower and farm bureau groups.

“With a record corn crop filling bins across America, farmers cannot afford another season of uncertainty and negative margins. Markets need consistency and predictability, which requires permanent legislative action by Congress. We respectfully urge you to act this year to pass year-round E15 legislation,” the groups wrote.