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 - Plain Language Summary **What the bill would do:** This bill would allow gasoline blended with higher levels of ethanol (E15, containing up to 15% ethanol) to be sold year-round across the country, similar to current rules for E10 gasoline (10% ethanol). Currently, Reid Vapor Pressure rules—designed to reduce summer air pollution—restrict higher-ethanol blends during certain seasons. The bill would remove those seasonal restrictions by extending an existing waiver.
It would also cancel current state exclusions from this waiver, though states could request new exclusions after the bill passes by proving the higher-ethanol fuel would worsen air quality in their area. **Who it affects:** This impacts fuel retailers, gasoline consumers, ethanol producers, and people living in states concerned about air quality. Drivers in states that currently restrict E15 sales could have year-round access to this fuel option. States with air quality concerns would need to actively opt out and provide evidence to maintain their restrictions. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (S 593 in the 119th Congress), sponsored by Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE), and has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
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
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Environment and Public Works.