President Donald Trump on Tuesday repeated his support for higher-ethanol transportation fuel, applying fresh pressure on Congress to hand corn farmers a political victory.
Speaking in Clive, Iowa, Trump said he’d sign legislation to lift seasonal restrictions on the sale of E15, which is 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline, if Congress passes it. Expanding availability in summer is a top priority for the biofuel industry.
“I will sign it without delay,” Trump said, adding that he trusts Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune to shepherd the change through Congress.
Trump also mentioned small and midsize refiners, many of whom have reservations about expanding the renewable fuel standard’s biofuel mandates, as well as making E15 more available. They’re seeking assurances that Congress will also help small refiners more easily obtain hardship waivers from biofuel blending requirements.
