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McLean Today
By the People, for the People
Illinois Governor Pushes for Year-Round E15 Fuel
Pritzker calls on Congress to expand access to ethanol-blended gasoline to support farmers
Apr. 3, 2026 at 12:06am
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Expanding year-round E15 fuel access could provide a much-needed boost to corn farmers and lower prices at the pump.McLean TodayIllinois Governor JB Pritzker is urging Congress to pass legislation that would allow for the permanent, nationwide availability of E15 gasoline, a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% traditional fuel. Pritzker argues that expanding year-round E15 sales would increase demand for corn and support Midwest farmers facing global instability and shrinking export markets.
Why it matters
The push for year-round E15 fuel is part of a broader effort to provide more stability and support for the agriculture economy in Illinois and the Midwest. Farmers have faced mounting pressure from global trade policies and geopolitical tensions, making domestic policies like expanded ethanol access critical to maintaining profitability.
The details
In a letter to the U.S. House Committee on Energy and Commerce, Pritzker emphasized that temporary EPA waivers to allow summer E15 sales do not provide long-term certainty for farmers. He is calling on Congress to pass a permanent legislative solution. Expanding year-round E15 could raise corn prices by 30-50 cents per bushel and lower carryout levels, directly benefiting producers. It could also lower fuel prices at the pump by 10-30 cents per gallon for consumers.
- The current EPA waiver allowing summer E15 sales is set to take effect on May 1 and expire on May 20.
- Pritzker sent his letter to Congress urging a permanent E15 solution on Thursday, April 3, 2026.
The players
JB Pritzker
The governor of Illinois who is calling on Congress to pass legislation allowing for year-round E15 fuel sales.
Darren Davis
The president of the McLean County Farm Bureau and a third-generation corn farmer who says year-round E15 could have a major economic impact on Central Illinois producers.
What they’re saying
“Expanding year-round E15 sales would increase the need for ethanol, broadening domestic markets for corn and supporting Illinois and Midwest farmers enduring shrinking foreign markets.”
— JB Pritzker, Governor of Illinois
“If E15 was enacted year-round, a lot of experts say it could raise the price of corn by anywhere from 30 to 50 cents, and can lower carryout down to close to zero, which would have a great effect on our bottom line.”
— Darren Davis, President, McLean County Farm Bureau
What’s next
Congress will need to consider and pass legislation to make year-round E15 fuel sales a permanent nationwide policy, providing long-term certainty for farmers and consumers.
The takeaway
The push for expanded access to E15 fuel is a critical policy lever to support Illinois and Midwest farmers facing global economic headwinds. Permanent year-round availability could boost corn demand, stabilize prices, and ultimately lower fuel costs for consumers.
