The National Corn Growers Association is pointing to California as an example of what could be achieved across the country after the state enacted a law extending access to fuels with a 15% ethanol blend, or E15, year-round.
It is estimated that if consumers would have been able to access E15 in California in 2025, it would have created demand for close to 250 million additional bushels of corn, which would represent 12% of the expected excess corn supply for this year.
“The sheer buying power of the millions of people on the road in California promises to increase demand for corn in ethanol, which is good news for the nation’s corn growers,” said Ohio farmer and NCGA President Jed Bower. “Now we want to see Congress act to extend access to year-round E15 to every state in the country.”
California’s new law comes as Congress considers a similar measure, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, which would remove a dated provision of the Clean Air Act that bans the sale of E15 during the summer months.
NCGA leaders and other corn grower advocates continue to make the case to Congress that passing the legislation would help the nation’s corn growers, who are trying to navigate a once-in-a-generation economic crisis, while lowering gas prices and helping to secure the nation’s energy security.
“Members of both parties have said repeatedly that they want to help the nation’s farmers during this difficult time,” said Bower. “Well, we see what’s possible with California’s law; it’s time Congress followed suit.”
SOURCE: NCGA News Release
