Budzinski Celebrates House Passage of Permanent Year-Round E15

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (IL-13) released the following statement following the passage of H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, of which Budzinski is a Democratic lead. The bill would eliminate an outdated regulation restricting year-round sales of E15 and would ultimately expand consumer fuel choices, strengthen domestic energy production, and provide greater certainty for agricultural producers. The bill now heads to the Senate for further consideration. 

“For years, I’ve championed permanent, year-round E15 as a win for American farmers, energy producers, and consumers. At a time when farmers are under pressure and families are feeling the strain of high gas prices, this legislation delivers much needed relief,” said Budzinski. “Today’s bipartisan action shows what’s possible when we put American energy, rural communities, and working families first. I’m proud to have helped lead this effort and urge the Senate to quickly pass this bill and get relief to the American people.”

Rep. Budzinski has been a leading House Democrat advocating for year-round nationwide E15 sales since being elected to Congress. She engaged in debate on the House Floor earlier today where she outlined the importance of passage of the bill. After introduction of the bill, in March 2024, she joined Reps. Adrian Smith, Mariannette Miller-Meeks, and Mark Pocan in a letter urging House leadership to pass a legislative solution allowing permanent year-round E15 sales. Later that year, the policy was included in the year-end Continuing Resolution before being removed during final negotiations. Budzinski then led Democratic colleagues in requesting seats on the Rural Domestic Energy Council and testified before the House Rules Committee urging leadership to immediately bring the negotiated agreement to the House floor.

In April, Budzinski also co-led an amendment to include the negotiated E15 language in the 2026 Farm Bill. Although Speaker Johnson pledged separate votes on both the Farm Bill and E15 policy, only the Farm Bill ultimately received a vote. 

Today, the Congresswoman was proud to join nearly 100 House Democrats in standing up for new market access for growers and lower gas prices for consumers.