Illinois Governor Calls for Permanent Year-Round E15 Gasoline

Pritzker urges Congress to allow expanded access to cheaper ethanol-blended fuel

Apr. 3, 2026 at 9:50am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A minimalist, abstract illustration using bold shapes and primary colors to conceptually represent the economic and energy policy implications of expanding year-round E15 gasoline availability.A geometric illustration representing the push for permanent, nationwide access to cheaper, ethanol-blended E15 fuel as a way to support farmers and stabilize fuel markets.Springfield Today

Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker has written to members of Congress, calling for the permanent nationwide availability of year-round E15 gasoline - a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% regular fuel that is cheaper than standard gasoline. Pritzker argues that expanded E15 access would significantly boost demand for corn and provide support to farmers, while also strengthening domestic energy production and stabilizing fuel markets.

Why it matters

The push for year-round E15 comes as fuel prices have risen sharply across the country, with the average gas price eclipsing $4 per gallon. Pritzker believes that making E15 available year-round would provide economic relief to consumers and farmers, who have faced elevated input costs and limited trade opportunities in recent years.

The details

Federal regulations have historically blocked the use of E15 during the summer months due to concerns about increased smog. In 2022, eight Midwestern states including Illinois opted out of a waiver that gave them access to E10 fuel, in an effort to force Congress to authorize the sale of E15. However, lawmakers have yet to reach a permanent solution, leading to higher costs for retailers and consumers in those states as they wait for emergency waivers each year.

  • In April 2022, eight Midwestern states including Illinois opted out of a waiver that gave them access to E10 fuel.
  • The EPA issued a temporary emergency waiver in 2023 to allow the sale of E15 during the summer.

The players

J.B. Pritzker

The Governor of Illinois, who is calling on Congress to allow the permanent year-round use of E15 gasoline.

Congressional Committee on Energy and Commerce

The Congressional committee that Pritzker has written to, urging them to support legislation ensuring the permanent, nationwide availability of year-round E15.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“I respectfully urge you to support legislation that ensures the permanent, nationwide availability of year-round E15. Doing so would provide certainty to the market, strengthen rural economies, and reinforce America's commitment to domestic energy production.”

— J.B. Pritzker, Governor of Illinois

“Without this action, E15 gasoline cannot be used by roughly half of the country this summer.”

— EPA

What’s next

The EPA has issued a temporary emergency waiver to allow the sale of E15 during the summer, but Pritzker is calling for a permanent legislative solution from Congress to provide long-term certainty to the market.

The takeaway

Pritzker's push for year-round E15 access highlights the broader economic pressures facing the agricultural sector, including higher fuel and input costs. Expanding E15 availability could provide tangible support to corn growers and rural communities, while also helping to stabilize fuel prices for consumers.