Congress must pass year-round E15 legislation: Brooke Rollins

Congress must pass year-round E15 legislation: Brooke Rollins

Congress Must Pass Year-Round E15 Legislation: Brooke Rollins

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has reiterated calls for congressional action to enable the nationwide, year-round sale of E15 (gasoline containing 15% ethanol). Speaking at the USDA's Ag Outlook Forum on February 20, 2026, Rollins emphasized that while the Trump administration has supported E15 expansion, legislative clarity requires congressional intervention. "It's up to Congress to find a solution," she stated, underscoring the need for a legislative framework to solidify E15's market viability.

The push for E15 year-round availability aims to boost demand for U.S. corn, sorghum, and soybeans, which are critical inputs for biofuel production. Rollins highlighted that E15 adoption could consume up to 2 billion additional bushels of corn domestically, supporting rural economies and enhancing energy security. The Trump administration has also prioritized biofuel exports, with ethanol exports rising 11% in the past year, driven by trade agreements with countries like the UK, Japan, and Malaysia.

However, legislative progress remains stalled. The E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council, tasked with drafting reforms, missed its initial deadline for proposing legislation and faces ongoing debates over biofuel quota exemptions. Current proposals include capping annual hardship exemptions for small refineries at 550 million Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) starting in 2028, a compromise between farm groups and oil refiners. While some refiners oppose exemption limits, arguing they distort market dynamics, farm groups advocate for stricter caps to ensure consistent biofuel demand.

Rollins' comments align with broader Trump administration policies, including historic Renewable Volume Obligation (RVO) proposals and extended tax credits for biofuels. With the E15 council's next deadline on February 25, 2026, and congressional negotiations ongoing, stakeholders await clarity on how legislation will balance competing interests in the biofuel and refining sectors.

As of February 26, 2026, no final bill has been introduced, leaving the timeline for E15's nationwide implementation uncertain. Investors and market participants are closely monitoring developments, as outcomes could significantly impact agricultural commodity demand and energy market dynamics.