Corn Belt Politicians Are Using High Gas Prices To Push Even More Carveouts for Ethanol
Amid rising gas prices, Corn Belt lawmakers are pushing for year-round E15 fuel sales and reduced refinery exemptions under the Renewable Fuel Standard as part of the Farm Bill negotiations. Critics argue the measures primarily benefit the ethanol industry rather than consumers, and environmental concerns remain over increased smog from summer E15 use. The debate has intensified as agricultural groups accuse certain energy companies of abusing exemption loopholes, while transparency about these waivers remains limited.
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Ethanol Corn Belt Politicians Are Using High Gas Prices To Push Even More Carveouts for Ethanol “The sale of E15 year-round would help the ethanol industry and no one else,” says one agricultural policy expert. Jeff Luse | 4.29.2026 1:12 PM Share on FacebookShare on XShare on RedditShare by emailPrint friendly versionCopy page URL Add Reason to Google Media Contact & Reprint Requests <img src="https://d2eehagpk5cl65.cloudfront.net/img/c800x450-w800-q80/uploads/2026/04/oil-industry-farm-bill-v1-800x450.jpg" style="max-width: 100%; height: auto" width="1200" height="675" title="A gas pump in a cornfield, with the U.S. Capitol in the background" alt="A gas pump in a cornfield, with the U.S.
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