Ethanol Industry and Corn Growers Frustrated by Stalled E15 Negotiations in House

Renewable Fuels Association president doubtful Congress will pass E15 bill before summer

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

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The ethanol industry and corn growers are expressing frustration over stalled negotiations in the U.S. House of Representatives regarding a bill to allow year-round sales of fuel blended with 15% ethanol (E15). Geoff Cooper, president of the Renewable Fuels Association, says he is "not terribly optimistic" that Congress will pass such legislation before summer, despite efforts by Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra to craft a compromise bill.

Why it matters

The ability to sell E15 fuel year-round is a key priority for the ethanol industry and corn growers, who have seen corn prices fall as a result of the current restrictions. Allowing E15 sales throughout the year could provide a boost to rural economies that rely on the ethanol and corn markets.

The details

The House Rural Domestic Energy Council, led by Congressman Feenstra, has been negotiating with lawmakers representing oil refining states to try to find a compromise on E15. However, Geoff Cooper of the Renewable Fuels Association is skeptical that Feenstra's efforts will result in a bill that can pass both the House and Senate, saying "the trick with E15 is obviously we have to find a path" and "that is not an easy thing to do." The Iowa Corn Growers have also expressed frustration, saying corn prices are falling and it's time for Congress to "finish the job on E15."

  • Wednesday was the deadline for a vote in the U.S. House on a bill to end the EPA's anti-smog rule that bars E15 from being sold in the summer months.
  • The House Rural Domestic Energy Council, led by Iowa Congressman Randy Feenstra, has been negotiating with lawmakers who represent states with oil refineries to try to find a compromise on E15 after House GOP leaders removed a mandate for year-round E15 sales from a budget bill that passed in January.

The players

Geoff Cooper

President of the Renewable Fuels Association.

Randy Feenstra

Iowa Congressman leading the House Rural Domestic Energy Council's negotiations on E15.

Iowa Corn Growers

An advocacy group representing corn growers in Iowa who are frustrated by the stalled E15 negotiations.

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What’s next

Congressman Feenstra told the Des Moines Register that a deal on an E15 bill may be introduced in the House next week, after a snowstorm delayed the arrival of lawmakers involved in the negotiations.

The takeaway

The stalled negotiations in Congress over allowing year-round sales of E15 fuel have frustrated the ethanol industry and corn growers, who see it as crucial to supporting rural economies. While efforts are underway to find a compromise, the path forward remains uncertain, highlighting the political challenges of balancing the interests of the ethanol and oil refining sectors.