The latest escalation involving Iran and the resulting spike in global oil prices have once again put American drivers at the mercy of forces beyond our control. Gas prices are rapidly climbing for American drivers, and pressure is mounting on Congress and the Trump administration to deliver badly needed financial relief. AAA reports that national average gas prices hit $3.96 on March 23—up more than $1 per gallon from just a month ago.
There is a clear, immediate step lawmakers can take to help remedy this: Pass legislation allowing nationwide, year-round sales of lower-cost E15, a gasoline blend containing 15 percent American-made ethanol—slightly more than today’s standard gasoline, which contains 10 percent ethanol. E15 is a legally approved fuel for all vehicles manufactured since 2001, meaning more than 95 percent of the automobiles on the road today are EPA-approved for E15.
Millions of drivers are already keeping more money in their pockets by choosing E15, with average savings of 10 to 40 cents per gallon and savings at some stations reaching as high as 60 cents. At a moment when fuel costs are surging because of geopolitical instability, expanding access to this lower-cost, American-made fuel should be the obvious priority of Congress. The economics are simple: in recent weeks, ethanol is selling for $1 per gallon less than gasoline at the bulk terminals where fuels are blended together prior to being delivered to gas stations. Obviously, adding more ethanol to gasoline helps bring down the price at the pump.
At a moment when fuel costs are surging because of geopolitical instability, expanding access to this lower-cost, American-made fuel should be the obvious priority of Congress.
The war in Iran has also underscored a deeper vulnerability. The United States remains too exposed to global energy shocks driven by instability abroad, particularly in the Middle East. When tensions rise overseas, American families feel it almost immediately at the pump. Reducing that exposure requires a more aggressive commitment to domestically produced energy sources that can help insulate consumers from sudden price spikes.
That is where year-round E15 comes in.
Year-round E15 would lower fuel costs for Americans and strengthen America’s agricultural economy at a time when it is under historic strain.
Farmers across the country are facing one of the most difficult economic environments in decades. Production remains strong, but that strength has become part of the challenge. Record harvests have led to oversupply, pushing prices down and squeezing margins for producers already dealing with skyrocketing input costs. The result is a prolonged downturn that is forcing family farms into bankruptcy and harming rural communities.
Working families are hurting and looking to Congress for decisive action. Fortunately, a broad coalition has rallied behind the legislation. Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle, farm organizations, fuel retailers, consumer advocates, and an overwhelming swath of the petroleum industry have all coalesced around legislation allowing year-round E15. There’s widespread agreement: Expanding E15 would create a reliable market for billions of additional bushels of corn and sorghum, helping stabilize farm income and support rural economies.
At the same time, year-round E15 is a critical step toward strengthening America’s energy security. Increasing the use of domestically produced ethanol reduces reliance on imported oil and keeps energy dollars circulating within the U.S. economy. It is a straightforward way to buffer American consumers from the kind of geopolitically driven volatility that has once again taken hold of global markets.
Increasing the use of domestically produced ethanol reduces reliance on imported oil and keeps energy dollars circulating within the U.S. economy.
While in Iowa recently, President Trump called on Congress to send legislation to his desk as soon as possible, recognizing the role E15 can play in advancing an America First energy strategy.
“I am trusting Speaker Johnson and Leader Thune to find a deal that works for farmers, consumers, and refiners, to get E15 approved,” the president said. “And they’ll be sending me a bill very shortly supporting year-round E15, to my desk very quickly, and I will sign it without delay.”
Despite this widespread agreement, progress has stalled. A small group of mid-sized refineries has sought to use E15 as leverage in pursuit of policies that would benefit their own bottom lines. That kind of brinksmanship risks delaying a solution that is ready to deliver real, measurable benefits to both farmers and consumers.
Congress has an opportunity to act decisively. By passing year-round E15, lawmakers can help ease pressure on drivers facing rising fuel costs, provide meaningful support to farmers navigating a difficult market, and strengthen the nation’s energy resilience in an increasingly uncertain world.
The stakes are clear. Every day of delay leaves Americans more exposed to global price shocks and prolongs the challenges facing rural communities. This is not a complex problem requiring years of study or negotiation. It is a straightforward policy change with immediate, tangible upside.
Farmers have done their part by producing a record supply of crops. Drivers are already seeing the savings where E15 is available. Now it is time for Congress to do its part.
Pass year-round E15 and give Americans the relief they deserve.
Geoff Cooper has been President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry, since 2018. Previously he served as RFA Executive Vice President, where in addition to overseeing market analysis and policy research, he provided regulatory support and strategic planning for the association and its members. Prior to joining RFA, Geoff served as Director of Ethanol Programs for the National Corn Growers Association. Previously, Geoff served as a Captain in the U.S. Army, specializing in bulk petroleum supply and logistics. A Wyoming native, Geoff graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa. He earned his master’s degree at Webster University in St. Louis.