Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025
Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025
Plain Language Summary
# Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 (HR 1346) ## What It Would Do This bill would change federal rules around ethanol-blended gasoline to allow E15 (gasoline containing 15% ethanol) to be sold year-round across the country, instead of only during certain seasons. Currently, the government restricts how volatile gasoline can be during summer months to reduce air pollution, but E10 (10% ethanol) is exempt from these restrictions. The bill extends that same exemption to E15, making it available to consumers at gas pumps throughout the year. The bill would also eliminate current state-level exclusions from this rule, though states could apply to opt out again based on air quality concerns. ## Who It Affects This bill primarily affects gasoline consumers, ethanol producers, and fuel retailers.
Consumers might see E15 as a more readily available option, potentially at different price points than other fuel types. Ethanol producers would likely benefit from increased demand for their product, while oil refineries and retailers would need to adjust their fuel distribution. States concerned about air quality impacts would need to submit new documentation if they want to limit E15 sales within their borders. ## Current Status HR 1346 is currently in committee (as of this writing), meaning it has been introduced but not yet voted on by the full House of Representatives.
CRS Official Summary
Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025This bill amends the Clean Air Act to address the limitations on Reid Vapor Pressure (a measure of gasoline's volatility) that are placed on gasoline during the summer ozone season. Specifically, the bill applies the waiver for Reid Vapor Pressure requirements that is applicable to gasoline blended with 10% ethanol (E10) to gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol (E15). This change allows gasoline that is blended with 10% to 15% ethanol to be sold year-round.Currently, states may be excluded from the waiver for Reid Vapor Pressure requirements by submitting documentation supporting that the waiver would increase air pollution. The bill nullifies existing state exclusions, but states may submit documentation after enactment of the bill to be excluded going forward.The bill also modifies the Renewable Fuel Standard Program, which requires transportation fuel sold or introduced into commerce in the United States to contain minimum volumes of renewable fuel. Under the existing program, obligated parties, such as small refineries, must satisfy the volume obligations by either blending renewable fuels into their gasoline or diesel fuel products or by acquiring credits that represent the required renewable fuel volume. The bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency to return compliance credits to small refineries under certain circumstances.
Latest Action
Referred to the House Committee on Energy and Commerce.