Although the summer travel season is starting to wind down, the introduction of the Next Generation Fuels Act could bring cheaper gas prices to drivers. On June 26, Senator Charles Grassley (R-IA) introduced this bipartisan bill to the U.S. Senate with the support of Senator Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Joni Ernst (R-IA) and Tammy Duckworth (D-IL).

This new bill would put standards in place to increase high-octane, low emissions fuel blends at the pump. Blends like this tend to incorporate higher levels of ethanal, which is a by-product of corn or sorghum. Not only can the Next Generation Fuels Act lower prices at the pump but also generate more return for local producers.

“The Next Generation Fuels Act would lower fuel prices, reduce carbon emissions, and shore-up America’s energy security for the long run,” said Iowa farmer and National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) President Chris Edgington. “In recent months, consumers have been reminded that we need choices at the pump. The Next Generation Fuels Act would diversify our fuel supply and take greater advantage of low-cost, low-emission, and high-efficiency ethanol to give drivers affordable choices as we decarbonize and clean up transportation.”

After a summer of record high gas prices, blends like E-15 could bring year around lower prices. By filling up with ethanol-based fuels, drivers can save 30 to 40 cents per gallon or nearly $1 on unblended wholesale gasoline. Additionally, these high-octane fuels result in 40% less greenhouse gas emissions. A win for the economy and the environment.

In April, the Biden Administration preserved consumers' choice at the pump with continued access to E-15 blends.

The goal of the Next Generations Fuels Act is to compound on these efforts, giving drivers more freedom to choose high-octane, low emission, cheaper blends year round.