Rep. Estes backs year-round E15 waiver and legislation to make it permanent

Alexander asked about ethanol's role for producers in Kansas and Estes said ethanol has become a "big business and a big supporter" for farmers by providing a market for their crops.

Estes said he welcomed the EPA's year-round waiver for E15 and that he cosponsored legislation intended to make that waiver permanent so consumers can choose E15 if they wish. "If people wanna use E15, they can. If they don't, they don't have to, but we should make sure that it's available for people to utilize," he said.

Why it matters: Year-round E15 availability affects demand for corn and other feedstocks, refining and retail fuel offerings, and consumer options at the pump. Estes framed the change as a market and consumer-choice issue important to his agricultural constituency.

Context: The interview presents Estes's views and legislative posture; no implementation timetable or bill text was presented in the segment.