Grassley: E15 Push Delayed, Not Dead

U.S. Senator Chuck Grassley says efforts to make year-round E15 sales permanent remain stalled, despite broad support from farm-state lawmakers. Grassley said appropriations bills due by January 30 will not include E15, but an energy council led by Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra has been formed to work through remaining objections from small refinery interests. Grassley said the goal is to reach a compromise by February 15, with a House vote on E15 expected by February 25. Grassley expressed frustration that small refinery concerns continue to delay legislation, noting E15 has already been sold nationwide for 6 years through presidential waivers under 2 administrations. “Until you get it in law, you are not going to get the investment for all the retailers to put it up with some certainty that it’s going to be forever,” Grassley said, adding that he never heard objections from small refineries during the years E15 operated under waivers. Grassley said he remains committed to working with Senate leaders to advance E15, potentially as part of a second round of farm support, but acknowledged progress depends on securing enough votes to overcome ongoing opposition.