SE Nebraska News

Representatives Adrian Smith (R-NE) and Nikki Budzinski (D-IL), co-chairs of the Biofuels Caucus, have introduced the bipartisan Ethanol for America Act. The bill would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize a rulemaking from 2021 to make E15 fuel labeling clearer and more consumer-friendly. It would also confirm that E15 is compatible with existing underground fuel storage and dispensing equipment, so business owners would not need to invest in new infrastructure.

Companion legislation has been introduced in the Senate by Senators Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Amy Klobuchar (D-MN).

"Estimates show access to E15 at the fuel pump can save consumers up to 30 cents per gallon," said Rep. Smith. "This bipartisan bill recognizes E15 compatibility with existing infrastructure and reduces red tape for retailers who wish to provide consumers with more options at the pump. I thank Rep. Budzinski and Sens. Ernst and Klobuchar for their collaboration."

"I’ve long been a strong advocate for year-round E15, having seen firsthand the benefits it brings to consumers at the pump and to the farmers across Central and Southern Illinois," said Rep. Budzinski. "We should be doing everything we can to expand access, not create barriers, which is why I’m proud to join Representative Smith and Senators Ernst and Klobuchar in this important push for E15 storage and availability."

"It’s no secret that access to E15 creates lower prices at the pump for consumers, value added to homegrown crops, stronger rural communities, and domestic energy dominance," said Sen. Ernst. “I’m working to remove regulatory roadblocks and ensure biofuels are offered to folks filling up their cars using existing infrastructure at local gas stations across our nation. We cannot allow outdated red tape to stand in the way of unleashing the benefits of E15."

Original cosponsors in the House include Reps. Dusty Johnson (R-SD), Tracey Mann (R-KS), Derek Schmidt (R-KS), Mike Flood (R-NE), Randy Feenstra (R-IA), and Brad Finstad (R-MN).

The bill has received support from industry groups such as the Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy.

“We thank Reps. Smith and Budzinski for introducing this commonsense legislation, which would lower pump prices for American consumers, bolster our nation’s energy security, and open new markets for our nation’s family farmers,” said Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “The most effective way to keep a lid on gas prices is to expand and diversify the domestic fuel supply with higher ethanol blends like E15. Knocking down regulatory barriers and allowing E15 to be stored and distributed in existing infrastructure will lower fuel costs for Americans and strengthen the market’s resilience against global supply disruptions.”

“Consumer demand for E15 grows each year, but onerous labeling and underground tank requirements have prevented many retailers from expanding access to better options at the pump,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We applaud Representatives Smith and Budzinski for spearheading the push to complete the work that EPA started during President Trump’s first term and eliminate needless barriers standing between U.S. consumers and lower-cost E15. This important effort will put more homegrown energy into the marketplace, reduce prices at the pump, and open critical new markets for U.S. farmers and biofuel producers.”

Smith, Budzinski, Ernst, Klobuchar, along with other members of Congress sent a letter urging EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin to recognize current fuel infrastructure as compatible with E15.

Research cited by lawmakers indicates that underground storage tanks designed for E10 are also suitable for E15 use; over 160 billion miles have been driven using E15 by vehicles approved by 96 percent of those currently on U.S roads; routine savings per gallon range from 10–30 cents; updating regulations could help retailers avoid expensive upgrades; expanding access supports corn growers’ incomes.

Rep. Adrian Smith has represented Nebraska’s 3rd district in Congress since 2007 after serving previously in Nebraska's Legislature from 1999 through 2007 [source]. He was born in Scottsbluff in 1970 [source].

Smith has advocated year-round sale of E15 since first introducing related legislation in 2015. In early 2025 he led several congressional efforts urging action on biofuels policy—including sending letters about affordability measures under EPA rules—and highlighted grassroots support through press conferences.

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