The ethanol industry says new legislation aimed at boosting retail stations that sell E15 will finally cut through regulatory barriers that have slowed the fuel’s growth since its initial approval. The bipartisan Ethanol for America Act, introduced in both the House and Senate, would require the Environmental Protection Agency to finalize long-delayed rules on E15 labeling and storage tanks—changes that have been pending for four years.
The proposal would update pump labels to be more consumer-friendly and allow current underground storage tanks and dispensers to be used for E15 without costly upgrades. Renewable Fuels Association President Geoff Cooper told the National Ethanol Conference, “Almost all existing underground storage tanks and dispensers are fully compatible with E15. But antiquated regulations have led many retail station owners to believe expensive equipment upgrades are needed before they can sell E15.”
Cooper also criticized the continued requirement for a “menacing bright orange warning label” on E15 dispensers, which he says deters customers. Despite 14 years since E15’s commercial approval, only three percent of U.S. retail stations sell the higher ethanol blend.
During his first term, President Trump sought to expand E15 access, beginning with year-round sales. “He directed EPA to revise its rules in 2019 to allow year-round E15 sales nationwide. Trump then instructed the EPA to make it easier for retailers to use their existing equipment for E15 and remove or change that frightening E15 pump label,” Cooper said.
However, the labeling and infrastructure rule stalled under the last administration, and the oil industry sued to block year-round E15 sales. Those developments have prompted renewed efforts by Midwest lawmakers to advance both initiatives in 2025.
