Overview
- After pro‑ethanol language was removed from a recent spending bill, House Republicans formed the E‑15 Rural Domestic Energy Council with a Feb. 15 draft deadline and a potential Feb. 25 floor date.
- Negotiators say a draft is coming soon, with Rep. Derrick Van Orden pressing to redefine what counts as a small refinery using factors beyond barrels per day.
- Rep. Harriet Hageman warns that narrowing small‑refinery exemptions could hurt Wyoming facilities; Rep. Chip Roy objects to year‑round E15 without rolling back the Renewable Fuel Standard.
- E15 sales remain barred during summer under Clean Air Act volatility rules, and backers seek to replace recurring EPA waivers with a permanent authorization.
- Rural Voices USA launched a 'Stop the Stall' digital and billboard campaign targeting districts in Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin, promoting passage and citing projected economic gains.