Fuel Industry Coalition Urges Trump Administration to Act on E15, Small Refinery Exemption Reform

A broad coalition of fuel industry groups delivered a letter to President Donald Trump on December 4, 2025, calling for legislative action on two key issues: year-round sales of E15 gasoline and reforms to the Small Refinery Exemption (SRE) program under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

The letter was signed by six organizations representing ethanol producers, oil refiners, fuel marketers, travel plazas, truck stops, and convenience store retailers. Signatories include the American Petroleum Institute (API), Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association, the National Association of Convenience Stores (NACS), NATSO (representing America's travel centers and truck stops), and SIGMA: America's Leading Fuel Marketers.

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API's Return to the Table

The coalition marks a notable shift for API, the nation's largest oil and gas trade group. In October 2025, API withdrew its support from a bill that would have allowed year-round sales of gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol. The group's decision to rejoin forces with ethanol stakeholders signals renewed momentum behind the push for E15 legislation.

The Case for Year-Round E15

Under current regulations, E15 sales face seasonal restrictions and geographic limitations that complicate fuel distribution and retail operations. The coalition argues that these inconsistencies create uncertainty for businesses trying to plan investments and manage supply chains.

"Legislation allowing the year-round, nationwide sale of E15 would improve fungibility and substantially reduce many of the complexities that arise for our industries as we operate in a national marketplace," the groups wrote in the letter.

E15 continues to expand its presence in the fuel market, but the coalition notes that unpredictable short-term waivers and regionally unique summer gasoline specifications in the Midwest have created a "shifting regulatory environment" that makes long-term planning difficult.

Calls for SRE Reform

Beyond E15, the coalition is pressing for changes to how Small Refinery Exemptions are administered. The SRE program allows smaller refineries to seek exemptions from biofuel-blending requirements under the Renewable Fuel Standard, but critics say the current structure creates market distortions.

"The current SRE structure has encouraged a system of winners and losers that distorts the marketplace, creates instability, and ultimately, hurts consumers," the letter states. "A more consistent and narrowly applied SRE structure would create a far more predictable regulatory environment."

The coalition emphasized that both issues, the lack of nationwide E15 and the SRE program's administration, affect investment planning, blending decisions, and the stability of national fuel supply chains.

Broad Outreach to Washington

The letter was addressed to President Trump but also copied to key congressional leaders and cabinet officials. Recipients included House Speaker Mike Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer.

On the executive side, copies went to Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.

Looking Ahead

The coalition framed its request as an effort to establish "a more coherent and durable policy foundation" for the transportation fuel sector. While the groups acknowledged they often have different policy priorities and market concerns, they said they share a common goal of providing affordable, reliable liquid fuels to consumers.

"Our organizations remain committed to supporting constructive solutions as Congress evaluates next steps," the letter concluded.

The full coalition letter is available here.