Amid higher prices at the pump and volatile world energy markets, an overwhelming majority of registered voters support expansion of the lower-cost E15 fuel blend and legislation to make the fuel permanently available year-round and nationwide, according to a new poll from Morning Consult, conducted for the Renewable Fuels Association. RFA said the polling results underscore the urgency of securing federal legislation to finally allow uninterrupted sales of E15 all year long.
“These polling results send a clear and unequivocal message to policymakers: American voters want expanded access to lower-cost E15—and they want it now,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “By a margin of eight-to-one, voters who expressed an opinion on E15 support efforts to broaden the availability of this more affordable, cleaner-burning fuel. It’s time for Congress to listen to American voters and get the job done. Hardworking families across the country clearly understand that E15 can help them save money, while enhancing our national energy security at a time of great uncertainty. Many in Congress have voiced support for passing year-round E15 legislation, but now it’s time for action.”
The survey of more than 2,000 registered voters indicates that 71 percent support efforts to increase the availability of E15. Only 12 percent of voters oppose expanding E15, with 17 percent expressing no opinion. Meanwhile, two-thirds of voters (66 percent) support the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would make E15 available year-round by removing an outdated regulatory barrier. Only 15 percent of respondents oppose the legislation. When considering only those respondents who expressed an opinion (i.e., removing those “don’t know” and “no opinion” responses), 85 percent support increasing the availability of E15, while 82 percent support the legislation as a way to help lower fuel prices and support energy independence.
With conflict in the Middle East contributing to near-record high pump prices, 81 percent of respondents are concerned about gas price fluctuations, with 51 percent being “very concerned.” Moreover, 67 percent said rising gas prices would affect their vote in the upcoming midterm elections, with only 27 percent saying higher prices will have little or no impact on their vote. And, by a margin of six-to-one, respondents said the current situation in the Middle East makes them more supportive of policies that promote American-made biofuels like ethanol (compared to being less supportive).
In addition, 89 percent believe it is important for America to be energy independent (up 10 percentage points from December’s polling), and 80 percent think renewable fuels like ethanol are important to American energy independence.
Lastly, as EPA prepares to finalize 2026-27 Renewable Fuel Standard volumes, respondents were asked about the debate over exempting small refiners from their biofuel blending obligations. Of those who had an opinion on the matter, 72 percent said oil companies should be required to meet current biofuel blending requirements and only 28 percent believe the government should allow oil companies to avoid blending requirements.
The survey was conducted by Morning Consult March 19–21, among a sample of 2,037 U.S. registered voters. Data were weighted to approximate a target sample based on age, race/ethnicity, gender, educational attainment, 2024 presidential vote, and region. Results have a 2 percent margin of error. Click here for the topline report.
