National Sorghum Producers is urging members of the U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry to retain permanent nationwide, year-round E15 language in the Agricultural Act of 2026 and advance the farm bill.
The updated Senate proposal would permanently remove the summertime regulatory restriction on sales of E15, a fuel blend containing 15% ethanol. The legislation also directs the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to update E15 fuel dispenser labeling and underground storage tank regulations to address barriers that have limited voluntary retailer adoption.
NSP Chair Amy France, a sorghum farmer from Scott City, Kansas, said permanent year-round E15 would provide greater certainty for ethanol producers, strengthen domestic demand for U.S.-grown crops and expand fuel choices for consumers. She urged senators from both parties to preserve the provision and move the farm bill forward.
According to NSP, ethanol plants across the Sorghum Belt account for an estimated 20% to 30% of annual U.S. sorghum demand, providing an important domestic market for growers while supporting rural employment, energy security and value-added agricultural opportunities.
France said sorghum farmers continue to face weak commodity prices, high production costs and uncertainty in export markets. She said Congress should focus on expanding reliable domestic markets rather than relying on temporary waivers or additional delays.
NSP acknowledged that negotiations on the broader farm bill are ongoing and called on committee members to work across party lines to preserve the year-round E15 provision and advance legislation that provides long-term certainty for farmers and rural communities.
Source: National Sorghum Producers, "National Sorghum Producers Urges Senate to Preserve Year-Round E15, Advance Farm Bill"