The Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2022 (S. 5145) aims to amend the Clean Air Act to allow gasoline blended with more than 10% ethanol (such as E15) to be sold year-round. Currently, during the summer months, there are restrictions on the sale of higher ethanol blends due to Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) limitations, which measure gasoline's volatility and its potential to contribute to smog formation. This bill seeks to apply the same RVP requirements that are applicable to E10 (gasoline with 10% ethanol) to higher ethanol blends, effectively lifting the seasonal restrictions and permitting year-round sales of E15. ([congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/5145?utm_source=openai))
Supporters of the bill, including various agricultural groups and ethanol producers, argue that allowing year-round sales of E15 will provide consumers with more fuel choices, potentially lower fuel prices, and support domestic agriculture by increasing demand for corn-based ethanol. They also contend that higher ethanol blends can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease reliance on foreign oil. The bipartisan nature of the bill, with sponsors from both parties, indicates a collaborative effort to address these issues. ([congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/senate-bill/5145?utm_source=openai))
Critics of the bill, including some environmental groups and oil industry representatives, express concerns that increasing the availability of E15 could lead to higher emissions of certain pollutants, potentially exacerbating air quality issues during the summer months. They also point out that many vehicles and fueling infrastructure are not designed to handle higher ethanol blends, which could lead to engine damage and increased maintenance costs for consumers. Additionally, there are worries about the environmental impact of increased corn production to meet the demand for ethanol, including land use changes and water resource depletion.
The analysis of Bill S. 5145, which aims to clarify the use of existing grants under the Clean Air Act for purchasing air sensors, reveals no direct industry overlaps with the sponsor Jacky Rosen's top donor industries. This indicates a low potential for conflicts of interest, as the financial backers of the sponsor do not appear to have a vested interest in the subject matter of the bill. The absence of overlapping industries suggests that the motivations behind the bill are likely aligned with public health and environmental concerns rather than the interests of specific donors. Voters should be aware that while campaign contributions can influence legislative priorities, in this case, the lack of overlap minimizes the risk of undue influence.
Top industries funding Jacky Rosen, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
