South Dakota’s congressional delegation is voicing support for allowing year‑round sales of E‑15 gasoline, a fuel blend containing 15 percent ethanol. The issue gained attention last week when President Trump, during a visit to Iowa, said he believed congressional leaders were close to finalizing a deal.
Senator Mike Rounds says year‑round E‑15 would significantly boost demand for corn, calling it a positive step for South Dakota producers and for domestic energy. He says expanding E‑15 would raise corn prices and strengthen the state’s agricultural economy.
Congressman Dusty Johnson also expressed confidence, saying he expects a deal to be completed within the next month or two. Johnson argues that expanding E‑15 is key to strengthening American energy production, pointing to the role Midwest corn can play alongside traditional oil sources.
According to the USDA, year‑round E‑15 sales could increase domestic corn use by as much as 2 billion bushels.
The proposal is still under negotiation in Congress.
