Senator Amy Klobuchar, Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry, called on the Administration on Mar. 24 to use executive authority to allow nationwide access to E15 fuel before the summer driving season in an effort to lower increasing domestic fuel prices.
The issue comes as gas prices have risen sharply since the outbreak of war in Iran. Klobuchar said that making E15—a gasoline blend with 15 percent ethanol—available year-round would provide immediate relief at the pump for consumers and support rural economies.
“As the Ranking Member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I write to ask that you immediately use your administrative authority to allow drivers across the country to use E15 fuel year-round,” Klobuchar wrote. “This is a no-cost, immediate step your administration can take to help curb rising domestic fuel costs as the war in Iran continues.”
Klobuchar also said American-made biofuels offer affordable options for consumers and highlighted that “E15 plays an important role in supporting farmers, strengthening rural economies, and providing consumers with more affordable fuel options. On average, E15 is saving drivers about $0.25 per gallon compared to conventional E10 blends. This savings can be even greater with higher ethanol blends like E30 and E85.”
She noted that granting a waiver for year-round sales would ensure a stable supply of fuel and benefit families and businesses during peak travel months. The U.S. ethanol industry has enough capacity—18.5 billion gallons per year—to replace multiple times over the volume of crude oil passing through critical Middle East shipping routes disrupted by conflict.
The Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee operates as a standing committee affiliated with the U.S. Senate according to its official website. The committee includes 23 members—12 Republicans and 11 Democrats—and manages legislation on farming policy, nutrition programs, food security issues both domestically and internationally according to its official website.
Historically, it has shaped major policies such as price supports for farmers during economic crises in the 1930s and addressed agricultural trade matters in later decades according to its official website. The committee compares agriculture alongside commerce and manufacturing as foundational elements needing balanced government support according to its official website.
Klobuchar concluded her letter by stating: “While E15 is one of many solutions that can contribute to our nation’s broader response to rising energy prices, it is a crucial way...that would immediately lower costs on consumers [and] bolster energy security.”
