The push comes after the topic threatened to derail the House’s passage of a government funding bill last week as Republican lawmakers remain divided on the legislation based on whether they are representing the interests of the oil industry versus farmers, according to The Hill.
Trump acknowledged that he supported year-round E15 sales, which refers to the high ethanol gas that has an ethanol content of up to 15%, while on the campaign trail in 2024 but said any deal would need to work for farmers and refiners.
"The people of Iowa know that I am trusting Speaker Mike Johnson, who’s great, and [Senate Majority] Leader John Thune, who’s great ... to find a deal that works for farmers, consumers and refiners, including small and mid-sized refiners," Trump said. "In other words, to get E15 approved, and they’re working on it. They’re very close to getting it done."
Thune, who is from South Dakota, confirmed that he is committed to getting the E15 legislation "across the finish line," and said he even spoke to the president about the topic on Tuesday morning.
"I’ve spoken to the president on numerous occasions, including as recently as this morning, about [E15s] importance to places like South Dakota, so I appreciate hearing him reiterate his support for it today during his trip to the Midwest," Thune posted on X. "Implementation of year-round E15 would be a huge win for South Dakota producers and would boost the agriculture economy and rural communities across the nation.
"I remain committed to continue working with my colleagues in Congress to get a year-round E15 proposal across the finish line and to the president’s desk," he added.