Summary
This legislation aims to make gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol, commonly known as E15, available for sale during the summer months. Currently, federal air quality regulations regarding fuel volatility often restrict the sale of E15 between June and September to reduce smog. The bill would apply existing volatility waivers to E15, effectively permitting its sale throughout the entire year across the country. While states could previously opt out of these waivers to control local air pollution, this bill would reset those exclusions, requiring states to submit new documentation if they wish to restrict these fuel blends in the future.
For everyday consumers, this change could lead to more fuel choices at the pump and potentially lower prices, as ethanol-heavy blends are often less expensive than standard gasoline. Additionally, the bill proposes changes to the Renewable Fuel Standard Program by requiring the Environmental Protection Agency to return certain compliance credits to small refineries. This move is intended to provide regulatory relief to smaller fuel producers who must meet federal requirements for blending renewable fuels into their products.
AI-generated summary
Lifecycle of the Bill
HearingHouseMeeting
Jan 22, 2026 · 16:15
H.R. 1346 – Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025
Summary
The House Committee on Rules held a hearing on January 22, 2026, to examine H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. The bill amends the Clean Air Act to address Reid Vapor Pressure limitations on gasoline during the summer ozone season. Specifically, it extends an existing waiver for gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol (E10) to gasoline blended with 10 to 15 percent ethanol (E15), allowing such fuel to be sold year-round. The bill also nullifies existing state exclusions from the waiver, though states may submit documentation after enactment to be excluded going forward. Testimony was heard from Representatives Palmer, Landsman, Smith of Nebraska, Budzinski, Hageman, Feenstra, and Miller-Meeks. The bill has bipartisan support, with sponsors including both Republican and Democratic members. Supporters view the legislation as bringing nationwide consistency to fuel regulations and eliminating the need for emergency waivers, while allowing consumers access to lower-cost, lower-carbon fuel options. The hearing before the Rules Committee is a procedural step that determines whether the bill will receive floor consideration. The hearing itself does not guarantee the bill will advance to a full House vote.
HearingHouseMeeting
Jan 22, 2026 · 16:15
H.R. 1346 – Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025
Summary
The House Committee on Rules held a hearing on January 22, 2026, to examine H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025. The bill amends the Clean Air Act to address Reid Vapor Pressure limitations on gasoline during the summer ozone season. Specifically, it extends an existing waiver for gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol (E10) to gasoline blended with 10 to 15 percent ethanol (E15), allowing such fuel to be sold year-round. The bill also nullifies existing state exclusions from the waiver, though states may submit documentation after enactment to be excluded going forward. Testimony was heard from Representatives Palmer, Landsman, Smith of Nebraska, Budzinski, Hageman, Feenstra, and Miller-Meeks. The bill has bipartisan support, with sponsors including both Republican and Democratic members. Supporters view the legislation as bringing nationwide consistency to fuel regulations and eliminating the need for emergency waivers, while allowing consumers access to lower-cost, lower-carbon fuel options. The hearing before the Rules Committee is a procedural step that determines whether the bill will receive floor consideration. The hearing itself does not guarantee the bill will advance to a full House vote.
Congress
119th Congress
Introduced
Feb 13, 2025
