E15 refers to gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol, as opposed to more common E10 gasoline, which is blended with only 10 percent ethanol. E15 has long been promoted by farm groups as a way to expand ethanol demand, support rural economies, and provide consumers with lower-cost fuel options.

“Passage of this bill is essential to the success of corn farmers and rural communities, particularly as our growers face their fourth year of net losses and struggle with high input costs. It would also help drivers across the country who could save 10 to 30 cents per gallon on gas as fuel prices continue to rise,” said Jed Bower, an Ohio farmer and president of the National Corn Growers Association.

The measure, which advanced on a bipartisan 218-203 vote, now goes to the Senate for consideration. Throughout the cooler months, E15 gas is offered at over 3,000 gas stations around the U.S., where it serves as a more affordable choice. But it has long required  to sell during the summer because of concerns it could worsen smog when temperatures are higher. (The EPA had already granted a waiver for 2026.)

Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig said, “The bipartisan passage of nationwide year-round E15 is a major win for drivers, farmers, biofuel producers, and rural communities across the country. At a time when gas prices are rising and families are looking for relief, expanding access to E15 will help lower fuel costs while strengthening America’s domestic energy supply.”

The current national average gas price is $4.534 per gallon, while 2026 started with the average at $2.81. Western states are seeing the highest prices, with California sitting at $6.147 and Washington at $5.774.

“We’re very happy with today’s vote, but the job is not finished,” said Eric Tipton, president of the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association. “The U.S. Senate needs to act quickly and pass this bill with no changes.”

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