House passes bill for year-round E15 ethanol fuel sales, splitting Republicans

The House on Wednesday passed a bill to codify year-round sales of E15 ethanol fuel, a major win for members from corn-producing states but one that drew fierce opposition from other Republicans. 

The vote was 218-203, with 122 Republicans, 95 Democrats and 1 independent voting in favor, and 90 Republicans and 113 Democrats opposing the bill. 

It also split the votes of Republican leadership. Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-La.) voted against the bill, while House Majority Whip Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) voted in favor.

Sales of E15, a fuel blend with 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline, have been typically restricted for parts of the year due to smog concerns, though President Trump has used executive action to allow E15 sales this summer. 

“Anybody who’s from Ag state, this is a huge win for them,” said Rep. Zach Nunn (R-Iowa), one of the main advocates for the bill. “We’re helping keep domestic energy successful, and we’re helping family farms.”

“I appreciate that we can have differences in the Republican Party and still allow........

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