US House Passes E15 Year-Round Sales Bill 218-203, Awaits Senate

The US House passed H.R.1346 (Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act) 218-203, authorizing nationwide year-round sales of E15 gasoline (15% ethanol blend) and tightening refinery exemptions. This capstone followed intensified May 12 lobbying, with biofuel groups touting 15-40 cents/gal savings over E10 amid high prices, opposed by refiners citing closure risks after a May 1 temporary E15 waiver. CBO projects a $2.3 billion net deficit rise through 2036; the bill needs 60% Senate approval and presidential signature, potentially boosting ethanol demand while pressuring refiners and slightly curbing crude oil use. Biofuel stocks like ADM (+2.68%) and GEVO (+1.17%) rose.