The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is celebrating a major legislative milestone after the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. In a detailed discussion with Farm Director KC Sheperd, Jared Mullendore, RFA’s Policy Counsel and Director of Government Affairs, emphasized that the bipartisan 218-203 vote represents a hard-fought victory toward securing permanent, nationwide access to the 15% ethanol fuel blend. After shifting strategy from attaching the measure to the Farm Bill to advancing it as a standalone floor vote, the RFA is now turning its attention to the Senate to secure final passage. Rather than a heavy-handed mandate, the legislation removes decades of regulatory red tape and applies consistent fuel volatility standards, providing the long-term market certainty that retailers and refiners need to meet consumer demand for cheaper, American-made fuel without seasonal interruptions
Bridging the Gap with Oklahoma Refiners
A significant portion of the E15 conversation centers on the refining industry, particularly in states like Oklahoma, where energy production is a cornerstone of the economy. Mullendore noted that many refiners have already successfully integrated ethanol into their operations to meet modern standards.
- Collaborative Solutions: Mullendore highlighted that “refiners, many of whom in your state [Oklahoma], have figured out how to add that octane and get their fuel to modern standards… at a pretty low price using ethanol”.
- Fairness in Transition: He emphasized a desire for a fair approach that respects the diverse portfolios of refiners, stating, “We want to work with refiners… let’s figure out a solution that works for us moving forward”.
- High Consensus: The legislative product currently under discussion has a “high level of consensus” because most refiners have already adopted ethanol as a standard additive.
Economic Impact: A Win for Corn Growers
The move to year-round E15 isn’t just about the fuel pump; it is a massive demand driver for the agricultural sector. For corn growers facing a large harvest, even a minor shift in the national fuel mix represents a significant market expansion.
Mullendore provided a striking breakdown of the potential impact: “One percent [increase in the blend] would be 1.5 billion gallons of ethanol; it’d be half a billion bushels of corn”. He challenged listeners to consider the scale of that shift, asking, “What would half a billion bushels of demand look like to those [growers]?” This market boost is particularly efficient because it uses existing vehicle technology. “These are things that don’t require—we don’t have to make new cars,” Mullendore noted. “It’s a pretty quick switch over at the gas station”.
Dispelling Myths and Enhancing Safety
Addressing the “biggest misconception” that E15 harms engines, Mullendore was blunt: “We don’t have any engine damage documented”. He clarified that for any vehicle manufactured from 2001 onward, E15 is EPA-certified and safe for use.
Furthermore, replacing expensive petroleum aromatics (B-TEX) with ethanol offers both financial and health benefits. “We’re getting rid of the B-TEX… all the stuff that not only can have its health effects, but also is pretty expensive,” Mullendore explained. By focusing on a product that is “stable through conflict” and “American-made,” the RFA aims to provide a reliable fuel supply that supports both the driver’s wallet and the farmer’s bottom line.
