Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
The year-end spending deal will include a provision to allow year-round sales of E15 fuel.
Why it matters: The ethanol industry and various retailers had been pushing this for months, despite opposition from refiners, environmental groups and Senate EPW Chair Tom Carper.
Driving the news: The provision is tucked into the yet-to-be-released continuing resolution, according to a House staffer familiar with the negotiations who spoke on condition of anonymity.
- Sales of E15, which is blended with 10.5% to 15% ethanol, are typically banned during the summer to limit smog, but EPA has in recent years made exceptions.
- Legislation to make the waiver permanent has had bipartisan support from Midwestern Corn Belt lawmakers.
The big picture: The CR will run until March 14 and will include disaster aid and $10 billion in assistance to farmers, House Speaker Mike Johnson said Tuesday morning.
- It's also likely to carry a farm bill extension.
