Republicans Vote to Dilute Gas as Prices Rise Above $4.50
Newsweek • • nation
Key Points:
- House Republicans passed the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (H.R. 1346) to allow year-round nationwide sales of E15 fuel, a gasoline blend with 15% ethanol, which is usually restricted during summer months due to air pollution concerns.
- The bill passed the House 218-203 but faces challenges in the Senate, requiring 60 votes to overcome a filibuster before it can reach President Trump's desk.
- E15 is cheaper than the standard E10 fuel blend, with estimates showing it can cost 5-10% less per gallon, potentially offering relief to drivers amid rising gas prices that have exceeded $4.50 per gallon.
- While ethanol reduces greenhouse gases, E15 can produce more smog-forming emissions when evaporated in heat, and it contains less energy than gasoline, meaning drivers may burn more fuel to travel the same distance.
- E15 is currently approved for use in light-duty vehicles from model year 2001 and newer and is available at over 3,000 stations in 31 states, but it is prohibited in motorcycles, heavy-duty vehicles, and off-road engines.