E15 fuel will be available again this summer thanks to another temporary waiver from the Trump Administration. While Iowa is one of eight Midwestern states already allowing year-round E15 sales, this fix remains only partial. Iowa lawmakers are still in the fight, pushing for a permanent, nationwide solution to eliminate seasonal restrictions entirely. Without Congressional action, fuel retailers and ethanol producers continue to face year-to-year uncertainty.
Geoff Cooper, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, says the Trump Administration has shown strong support for year-round E15, but a lasting solution still depends on Congress. He explains that while the summertime waiver is helpful, it’s only a temporary measure. Cooper says there is growing momentum on Capitol Hill, but passing a permanent fix remains a key challenge.
Cooper and I spoke ahead of the House passage of the Reconciliation Bill, which the Trump Administration has dubbed the “Big, Beautiful Bill.” Despite hopes, E15 legislation did not make it into that package. With the bill passing by just one vote, it’s clear that a proposal with broad bipartisan support, like permanent E15 access, will likely need to hitch a ride on a more widely supported legislative vehicle. Still, lawmakers on both sides of the aisle continue to offer assurances that securing year-round E15 remains a top priority moving forward.
As another summer begins with a temporary fix, the push for a permanent E15 solution is far from over. Supporters say they’ll keep working until year-round access is guaranteed for every driver, in every state.
