Nebraska Leads Charge for Year-Round E15 Fuel, Eyes Congressional Support

Following a significant environmental policy shift, the Nebraska Farm Bureau has publicly expressed its satisfaction with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) recent decision to grant a seasonal waiver allowing the nationwide use of E15 gasoline—a blend containing 15% ethanol—during the summer months. This development broadens the scope of an initial waiver intended for eight states, including Nebraska, set to commence in 2025.

This pivotal moment, however, is seen as just the first step in a larger battle for energy sustainability and economic vitality in the agricultural sector. The Bureau is now setting its sights on a more enduring resolution through legislative action. It is calling on Congress to pass the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, a move that finds strong allies in Senator Deb Fischer and Representative Adrian Smith. This legislation seeks to permanently lift restrictions limiting ethanol blends in gasoline to 10% (E10) for all seasons, advocating for the broader adoption of E15 and potentially higher blends year-round.

Agriculture, serving as the backbone of Nebraska’s economy, significantly benefits from expanded ethanol use, as underscored by the over 55,000 member families of the Nebraska Farm Bureau. Their collective voice amplifies the call for rapid congressional action to solidify the place of ethanol in America’s energy portfolio, advocating for the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act not just as a boon for Nebraska’s agricultural community, but as a stride towards greater energy independence and environmental stewardship on a national scale.