In a Dec. 4 letter addressed to President Trump and distributed to congressional leaders and top Cabinet officials, ethanol stakeholders and API warned that current policy gaps are contributing to market volatility, threatening fuel affordability and undermining confidence in the liquid fuels supply chain.

The letter, signed by a broad coalition of ethanol producers, truck stop operators, fuel marketers, oil refiners, and convenience store retailers, urges swift action to pass legislation enabling year-round access to 15% ethanol-blended gasoline (E15) nationwide.

The API's support marks a significant shift. Although the group previously backed an E15 bill championed by Sen. Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), it withdrew its endorsement earlier this year, citing concerns about the broader direction of U.S. biofuel policy. Still, API has acknowledged the merits of expanding E15 access, emphasizing a need for a "more balanced and modernized approach" to fuels regulation.

The timing of this renewed push is critical. Congress has limited time left in 2025 to attach the E15 measure to a viable legislative vehicle. One option under consideration is including the language in an upcoming government funding package in January 2026. Sen. John Hoeven (R-N.D.), a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, confirmed ongoing efforts to integrate E15 reform into that appropriations deal.

The letter also calls for reforming the federal policy that allows small refineries to seek waivers from RFS compliance, a point of long-standing contention between ethanol groups and oil producers. These exemptions, when granted, reduce demand for biofuels and lower Renewable Identification Number (RIN) prices, frustrating corn growers and ethanol producers.

Stakeholders argue that predictable RFS implementation and nationwide E15 access would improve market stability, boost corn demand, and provide consumers with more affordable fuel options, especially amid global oil market uncertainty.

As bipartisan support continues to build, all eyes are now on whether the Trump administration and Congress can move quickly to turn that momentum into concrete legislative action before the end of the session.