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Budzinski disappointed in lack of E15 progress

A member of the U.S. House Ag Committee says continued lack of action on year-round E15 is disappointing.

“It would be done by now.”

Illinois Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski says Congress missed opportunities to pass the legislation with appropriation measures late last year, and now the Rual Domestic Energy Council has missed deadlines.

“We don’t need a task force.”  She says, “We know where the points of negotiation are.  We had negotiated it, and they’ve already blown past a self-imposed deadline they have of late February.  We’re now in almost mid-March, and we’ve seen no action.”

She tells Brownfield that as gas prices across the country are on the rise, E15 becomes even more critical.

“To support our growers.”  She says, “To create more opportunities for biofuels that hopefully can relieve pressure at the pump.”

Budzinski says ag and biofuel groups continue to push for passage as negotiations revolve around small refinery exemption allocations.

Congresswoman Budzinski spoke with reporters at the 2026 iFAB Biomanufacturing Summit in Champaign, Illinois.

AUDIO: Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski speaking with reporters