Republican Lawmakers Propose Year-Round Sales of Higher-Ethanol Gasoline
Written by Emily J. Thompson, Senior Investment Analyst
Updated: Apr 21 2026
0mins
Source: seekingalpha
- Legislative Proposal: A group of Republican lawmakers is set to introduce legislation allowing year-round sales of gasoline containing 15% ethanol, aimed at supporting the agriculture sector and benefiting corn growers, despite historical opposition from the oil industry.
- Biofuel Blending Exemptions: The proposal would limit exemptions from biofuel blending mandates to refineries with a total refining capacity of no more than 75,000 barrels per day, and allow exemptions for refineries at risk of closure, thereby alleviating economic pressures on smaller refiners.
- Industry Opposition: Despite years of advocacy from agricultural groups for such legislation, previous attempts have consistently failed due to the financial burdens that biofuel blending imposes on refiners, highlighting the tension between industry interests.
- Market Impact: Should the legislation succeed, it would provide permanent access to E15 gasoline sales, potentially reshaping the U.S. fuel market, promoting renewable energy use, and driving growth for related companies.
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Analyst Views on VLO
Wall Street analysts forecast VLO stock price to fall
17 Analyst Rating
11 Buy
6 Hold
0 Sell
Moderate Buy
Current: 244.770
Low
149.00
Averages
186.56
High
223.00
Current: 244.770
Low
149.00
Averages
186.56
High
223.00
About VLO
Valero Energy Corporation, through its subsidiaries, is a multinational manufacturer and marketer of petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products. The Company sells its products primarily in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland and Latin America. Its segments include Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol. The Refining segment includes the operations of its petroleum refineries, the associated activities to market its refined petroleum products, and the logistics assets that support its refining operations. The Renewable Diesel segment represents the operations of Diamond Green Diesel (DGD), and the associated activities to market renewable diesel, renewable naphtha, and neat SAF. The Ethanol segment includes the operations of its ethanol plants and the associated activities to market its ethanol and co-products. It owns 15 petroleum refineries located in the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom.
About the author
Emily J. Thompson
Emily J. Thompson, a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) with 12 years in investment research, graduated with honors from the Wharton School. Specializing in industrial and technology stocks, she provides in-depth analysis for Intellectia’s earnings and market brief reports.
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