Corn Growers Urge Congress to Pass Nationwide 15% Ethanol Blend Legislation

Strategic Insights -

As the farm economy struggles to recover from record-high input costs and unsustainable low corn prices, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and 17 state corn grower groups have sent an urgent open letter to Congressional leaders, urging them to pass legislation that would extend nationwide consumer access to fuels with 15% ethanol blends. The move aims to create more demand for corn and corn products, as corn growers face a massive yield on record and consequently lower prices. The growers are seeking to pass the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, which would remove an outdated regulation under the Clean Air Act that bans the sale of fuel with 15% ethanol blends during the summer months.

Key Takeaways:

  • The NCGA and 17 state corn grower groups sent an open letter to Congressional leaders, calling for legislation to extend nationwide consumer access to fuels with 15% ethanol blends.
  • The move aims to create more demand for corn and corn products, as corn growers face a massive yield on record and consequently lower prices.
  • The growers are seeking to pass the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025, which would remove an outdated regulation under the Clean Air Act that bans the sale of fuel with 15% ethanol blends during the summer months.
  • Corn growers have fought for years to eliminate the summer ban, coming close only to be thwarted as deals on legislation have been made.
  • The legislation would benefit corn growers, consumers, and the environment by saving consumers money at the gas pump, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and preventing an over-dependence on foreign oil.
  • Corn growers are visiting Capitol Hill this week to convey to members of Congress the importance of this legislation and the need to act as soon as possible.

Statistics:

  • Corn growers are expected to produce a massive corn yield, potentially the largest on record.
  • Corn prices have fallen to unsustainable lows, making it difficult for growers to make a living.
  • Input costs for corn growers are near record highs.
  • The Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 would increase demand for corn and corn products.
  • Ethanol sales are the lifeblood of corn growers, playing an important role in the lives of millions of Americans.

Sources:

  • National Corn Growers Association (NCGA)
  • 17 state corn grower groups
  • Department of Agriculture
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.)
  • Minority Leader Charles Schumer (D-N.Y.)
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.)
  • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-N.Y.)
  • "Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025"