Ethanol Industry Pushes for Year-Round E15 Sales Amid Iran Conflict

Supporters argue expanding access to E15 would help shield consumers from global energy price volatility.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

As tensions rise in the Middle East following conflict involving Iran, the ethanol industry says it now has a renewed case for Congress to move quickly on approving year-round E15 sales. Supporters argue that expanding access to E15 would help shield American consumers from geopolitical volatility that often rattles global energy markets.

Why it matters

The debate over E15 has long centered around regulatory hurdles and opposition from certain segments of the refining industry. Supporters of E15 argue that consumers, not refiners, stand to benefit most from expanded ethanol blends, as higher ethanol blends can help ease pressure at the pump during times of global uncertainty.

The details

Troy Bredenkamp with Renewable Fuels says allowing E15 to be sold year-round would strengthen U.S. energy independence at a time when global supply chains are under pressure. Advocates say increasing domestic ethanol use would not only reduce reliance on foreign oil, but also provide a boost to corn demand. However, Bredenkamp acknowledged that rising global tensions could also create new challenges for farmers already facing tight margins.

  • The ethanol industry is renewing its push for year-round E15 sales in March 2026 amid rising tensions in the Middle East.

The players

Troy Bredenkamp

A representative with Renewable Fuels, an organization supporting the ethanol industry.

GT Thompson

The Chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, who is expected to consider the issue of year-round E15 sales as non-germane to the farm bill legislation.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It just speaks to the need for us to take every action we can to insulate ourselves from these kinds of geopolitical-induced price spikes.”

— Troy Bredenkamp, Representative, Renewable Fuels

“If it were to be adopted nationally, it would remove or displace almost half of the volume that is coming from OPEC countries.”

— Troy Bredenkamp, Representative, Renewable Fuels

“At probably the worst time possible, you're going to see input prices going up, as well, for the American farmer.”

— Troy Bredenkamp, Representative, Renewable Fuels

“Mid-size refiners, in particular, will have a very comfortable margin, regardless of what's happening in the Middle East.”

— Troy Bredenkamp, Representative, Renewable Fuels

“Every additional percentage of ethanol that could be blended into gasoline is going to lower the price at the pump. That is our story…that is the one we will be trying to get through to Congress, and the need to get year-round E15 done.”

— Troy Bredenkamp, Representative, Renewable Fuels

What’s next

Supporters of year-round E15 sales are expected to push for the issue to be considered separately from the farm bill, as the House Agriculture Committee Chairman is likely to view it as non-germane to that legislation.

The takeaway

The ethanol industry is renewing its longstanding push for year-round E15 sales, arguing that it would help shield American consumers from global energy price volatility amid rising tensions in the Middle East. However, the industry continues to face opposition from certain segments of the refining industry, underscoring the ongoing debate over the regulatory and economic implications of expanding access to higher ethanol blends.