Broad Coalition Urges Congress to Advance Year-Round E15, SRE Reforms in Farm Bill

WASHINGTON, April 23, 2026 - The American Petroleum Institute today issued the following statement from Vice President of Downstream Policy Will Hupman after a broad coalition urged Congress to include a bipartisan Farm Bill amendment led by Rep. Michelle Fischbach to allow year-round sales of E15 and provide targeted reforms to the Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) process under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

"At a moment when households are feeling the sharp pressure of energy prices, this amendment is critical to promoting affordability, providing clarity for energy producers and fuel retailers, and strengthening America's farmers," said Hupman. "It brings long-overdue certainty and predictability to fuel markets and expands fuel choice for American consumers."

In a letter to lawmakers, a diverse coalition of fuel refiners, ethanol producers, agriculture stakeholders and fuel retailers highlighted the amendment as a pragmatic, market-based solution that advances consumer choice, strengthens fuel supply and provides durable regulatory certainty.

"Maintaining access to E15 year-round empowers consumers at the pump with more options, particularly during periods of tight supply and high fuel costs, while allowing refiners and retailers to meet the demands of the market," the organizations wrote.

The coalition emphasized that inconsistent application of the SRE process has created unnecessary volatility and undermined confidence across the fuels marketplace. Targeted reforms would help ensure exemptions are granted as Congress intended while improving predictability for all participants.

"A clear and consistent approach ensures that exemptions are applied as Congress intended, while avoiding uncertainty that can disrupt fuel markets, undermine compliance planning and create volatility for producers and consumers alike," the organizations wrote.

The groups noted the combined reforms would support rural economies, encourage investment across the supply chain and help mitigate price pressures for consumers.

The coalition called on Congress to include the amendment in the final Farm Bill.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) represents all segments of America's oil and natural gas industry, supporting nearly 11 million U.S. jobs. With approximately 600 members, API companies produce, process, and distribute the majority of the nation's energy. Founded in 1919, API has developed over 800 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency, and sustainability.

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