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President Donald Trump on Tuesday called on Congress to finalize legislation allowing year-round sales of gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol, saying he would sign the measure “without delay” if lawmakers reach an agreement.
The president made the appeal during a speech in Iowa, highlighting the issue’s importance to farmers and rural communities while acknowledging ongoing divisions among Republicans over how the policy could affect oil refiners.
“The people of Iowa know that I am trusting Speaker Mike Johnson, who’s great, and [Senate Majority] Leader John Thune, who’s great … to find a deal that works for farmers, consumers and refiners, including small and mid-sized refiners,” President Trump said. “In other words, to get E15 approved, and they’re working on it. They’re very close to getting it done.”
Year-round E15 sales, which involve gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol, have long been a priority for corn growers and biofuel advocates. The issue resurfaced last week when it threatened to complicate House passage of a government funding bill, as some Republicans aligned with the oil industry expressed concerns, according to The Hill.
President Trump reiterated that he backed year-round E15 sales during the 2024 campaign but said any final agreement must balance the interests of both agriculture and energy producers.
Thune, a South Dakota Republican, confirmed he is working to advance the legislation and said he discussed the issue with Trump earlier Tuesday.
“I’ve spoken to the president on numerous occasions, including as recently as this morning, about [E15’s] importance to places like South Dakota,” Thune wrote on X.
“Implementation of year-round E15 would be a huge win for South Dakota producers and would boost the agriculture economy and rural communities across the nation.”
He added that he remains committed to working with colleagues to send a year-round E15 proposal to Trump’s desk. Supporters say allowing year-round sales would expand fuel options, potentially lower prices and strengthen domestic biofuel production.