Ethanol
The political climate might finally be right to pass year-round E15 legislation. Analysis from NCGA indicates E15 legislation would be one of the quickest ways to increase demand and work through the record pile of corn.
USDA Undersecretary Luke Lindberg says the big takeaway is establishing a level playing field for U.S. producers and building opportunities from there.
The first full week of 2026 marked another record for U.S. ethanol production.
Ethanol accounted for 11.06% of the nation’s gasoline in October
Record corn exports are tightening stocks and lifting prices, but long-term strength depends on expanding domestic demand. Could year-round E15 overcome legislative hurdles in Washington and change the market trajectory?
Corn grower advocates say it is their goal to get E15 legislation across the finish line by year’s end.
California Governor Newsom’s signing his legislature’s E15 bill made the state the last remaining and biggest to allow sales of the higher ethanol blend.
If EPA allows these waivers and the backlog of SREs from 2023 to 2025, without increasing the volumes in 2026 and 2027, it will mean lower biofuels production.
EPA has already announced granting dozens of SREs and partial exemptions.
U.S. corn growers and ethanol producers once enjoyed a level playing field with Brazil.