U.S. House Approves Nationwide E-15 Sales

Midwest states’ renewable fuels industries also received promising news with the long-awaited vote by the U.S. House of Representatives that approved nationwide, year-round sales of E15, which followed years of battling between ethanol supporters and leaders from other states that prioritize continued focus on the oil industry.

Ethanol supporters believe the expansion could bring new markets, grow existing ones, and allow the industry to make better use of its surplus production during a time of increased global competition.

Critics complained that oil refiners will have higher compliance costs as they also face additional burdens from federal biofuel mandates in the energy system. Farm Policy News looks at the claims on both sides of the potential expansion.

A big question now, though, is whether the U.S. Senate will approve what the House passed.

RELATED: This was the push last fall from corn and soybean industry leaders about the need for market expansion.