Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025

The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 would modify federal clean air and renewable fuel standards if enacted. Currently, gasoline blended with 10% ethanol can be sold year-round, but gasoline with higher ethanol blends faces restrictions during summer months due to Reid Vapor Pressure limits designed to reduce ozone pollution. This bill would extend the year-round sales waiver to gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol, potentially expanding consumer fuel options and supporting ethanol producers. The bill would also nullify existing state exclusions from this waiver, though states could submit new documentation to opt out after the bill's enactment.

Additionally, the bill would modify how small refineries comply with the Renewable Fuel Standard Program, which requires transportation fuels to contain minimum volumes of renewable fuel. Under current rules, small refineries can either blend renewable fuels into their products or purchase compliance credits. The bill would direct the Environmental Protection Agency to return certain compliance credits to small refineries under specified circumstances, potentially reducing their compliance costs. The bill is currently in committee and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.