The push for year-round E15 is gaining new urgency as the ethanol industry looks to secure long-term certainty after months of political churn in Washington. Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor says the past year brought meaningful progress for higher blends, but the work is far from finished. She says the next several months will be critical in determining whether the momentum that has been building can finally deliver a permanent solution.
Skor says the industry is actually in a much stronger position than it was a year ago. Federal actions ranging from early support for higher blends to strong proposed biofuel blending levels for 2026 and 2027 have helped create confidence across the fuel marketplace. Temporary waivers have also kept E15 available during critical demand periods, but she says the goal remains the same: move past year-to-year uncertainty and make E15 a consistent nationwide option.
A legislative fix remains the top priority. Skor says E15 cannot be moved as a standalone bill, so the strategy has always been to secure a spot in a broader federal package. The government shutdown delayed much of the movement, but she says bipartisan support remains strong, and congressional work is beginning to pick up again.
The farm economy is also steering the conversation. With margins tightening and growers looking for new market stability, E15 represents a reliable domestic demand source for corn. Many producers have emphasized that they want markets, not government checks, and Skor says lawmakers are hearing that message loud and clear.
At the same time, consumer savings are adding weight to the push. E15 typically offers drivers ten to thirty cents per gallon in savings, and in some cases, the difference can be even greater. At a time when families are watching fuel costs closely, Skor says the price advantage is becoming a consistent selling point.
Education remains another part of the challenge. Many drivers still do not realize they can use E15 even though most vehicles on the road today already qualify. Skor says that broader public understanding will improve as availability grows, but confusion at the retail level still contributes to hesitation. Labels at the pump and seasonal rules have created unnecessary questions for consumers, and she says ending the summer uncertainty is one of the most important steps in clearing the path.
Skor says a permanent national rule would give retailers the clarity they need to invest, build out infrastructure, and offer E15 at more locations. That certainty would help expand access for drivers, deliver consistent savings at the pump, and support a stronger long-term market for corn producers.
She remains optimistic that the industry is close to getting the stability it has been working toward for years. With momentum building on Capitol Hill and clear economic benefits for both consumers and rural communities, she says now is the time to finish the job and make year-round E15 a permanent reality.
