SPRINGFIELD, IL — The State of Illinois is again calling on the United States Congress and the Trump administration to require year-round sales of E15 fuel. Earlier this year, Governor JB Pritzker sent a letter to Congressional leadership on November 4, 2025, urging nationwide, year-round E15.
“Agriculture is the number one industry in Illinois. Our farmers feed the world, and they have the potential to fuel it as well. As Trump’s tariffs hurt farmers nationwide and rising costs put strain on American families, Congress must require permanent, year-round E15, said Governor JB Pritzker. “E15 enhances our nation’s energy supply, helps the economy, and supports a cleaner environment all at once. Year-round E15 is not optional — it’s essential. That’s why I was the first Governor in the corn belt to sound the alarm for Congress in November. I once again urge the federal government to act in favor of our farmers and the environment.”
Under current law, E15 access during the summer driving season has relied on temporary emergency waivers. These stopgap measures provide only brief relief and fall short of a stable, long-term solution.
Illinois is the second largest producer of corn in the nation. With corn production at record highs – the USDA crop estimate puts corn crop estimates above 17 billion bushels for the first time, up from 14.9 billion bushels in 2024 – the surplus inventory drives prices down, hurting farmers already struggling to break even amid rising input costs. Corn prices hit the lowest price since August after the USDA made its announcement.
A year-round requirement for E15 would increase demand for corn by 2 billion bushels a year, according to a new report from the Renewable Fuels Association.
While ethanol use supports jobs, lowers fuel costs and reduces emissions, federal regulations continue to block E15 sales during critical summer months, creating unnecessary uncertainty for farmers.
“Illinois is a national leader in corn and ethanol production. Year-round E15 would keep energy dollars in the Midwest, reduce reliance on foreign oil, and cut harmful emissions without additional cost to taxpayers,” said Jerry Costello II, Director of the Illinois Department of Agriculture.
Allowing nationwide, year-round use of American ethanol is a practical solution that strengthens the energy supply, reduces costs for consumers, and provides the long-term certainty that Illinois farmers deserve.
“Illinois farmers cannot afford to do business. The best solution is a stronger economy,” said U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL). “First, the President must stop these trade wars that are damaging our top farm export markets. Second, Congress must pass permanent E15, which will immediately help farm families, while cutting the cost of gasoline for everyone by up to 30 cents a gallon. As a member of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I will fight to get E15 finished now.”
“Illinois farmers are the backbone of our economy and the stewards of America’s food and fuel supply. Year-round E15 isn’t just an agricultural issue; it’s an economic, environmental, and national security imperative. By adopting a permanent, nationwide E15 standard, we can lower costs for families, strengthen rural communities, and reduce our dependence on foreign oil. Congress must deliver the certainty our farmers and consumers deserve,” said Rep. Jonathan Jackson (Il-01).
“I have been fighting in Congress for several years to secure year-round, nationwide access to E-15, including cosponsoring the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act,” said Rep. Robin Kelly (Il-02). “While temporary waivers for midwestern states have helped maintain the ethanol industry, it is past time to allow the sale of year-round E-15 across the country. At a time when affordability is top of mind for Illinoisans, homegrown biofuels will lower fuel prices, reduce emissions, and provide support for our farmers as they navigate President Trump’s challenging tariffs.”
“Illinois farmers are producing more than ever, but Washington’s stop-and-go approach to E15 keeps holding them back,” said Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi (IL-8). “Making E15 available year-round would strengthen our energy supply, lower costs at the pump, and provide the certainty corn growers need to stay competitive. It’s a practical, pro-farmer solution—and it’s time for federal action.”
“I have long been a strong advocate for year-round E15, having seen firsthand the benefits it delivers to consumers at the pump and to the farmers in my district,” said Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (Il-13). “As co-chair of the Biofuels Caucus in Congress, I will continue leading the charge for federal legislation that provides a permanent solution and long-term certainty for our growers.”
“Year-round E15 is a win for Illinois farmers and for families feeling the pinch at the pump. It creates steady demand for our corn, supports rural jobs, and gives drivers a cleaner, more affordable fuel choice,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17). “Congress and the administration need to act so producers and consumers can count on certainty, not short-term fixes.”