The House may have passed year-round E15 legislation, but supporters are now preparing for what could be a much tougher fight in the U.S. Senate. Washington analyst Jim Wiesemeyer says the measure could struggle to reach the 60 votes needed for passage, warning opposition is building from several directions. The debate over E15 has traditionally divided ethanol and farm groups from oil refiners. But the political landscape is shifting. The Renewable Fuels Association and the American Petroleum Institute are now aligned in support of the legislation after changes to refinery exemption rules altered ethanol blending requirements for portions of the refining industry. Supporters argue permanent year-round E15 access would expand domestic corn demand and offer consumers a lower-cost fuel option.
