Energy & Environment — Trump boosts biofuels in blending requirements

View Online Energy & Environment Energy & Environment The Big Story  EPA issues record biofuel blending requirements The White House announced a series of steps Friday, including a boost for ethanol, aimed at bringing relief to the agriculture industry amid supply chain issues caused by the war in Iran. © AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson The administration is increasing the volumes of biofuels like ethanol that are required to be blended into other fuels for 2026 and 2027. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is finalizing what it described as "the highest levels in program history."   The announcement came alongside other initiatives, like offering loan guarantees and easing pollution monitoring requirements that the administration says will help farmers.   The war has effectively closed shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, raising the price of not only fuel, but also fertilizer.   President Trump also doubled down on his call for Congress to remove restrictions on selling high-ethanol gasoline in the summertime. Some Corn Belt lawmakers sought to scrap those restrictions through a spending bill earlier this year, but lawmakers agreed instead to explore compromise legislation.   Trump said he was "trusting" Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) and Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) "to find a deal that works for farmers, consumers and refiners."   Among the changes Trump announced Friday was easing EPA rules regarding pollution sensors for tractors and other equipment — a move the administration says will save the sector $14 billion.   Read more here, from The Hill's Julia Manchester and me. Welcome to The Hill's Energy & Environment newsletter, I'm Rachel Frazin — keeping you up to speed on the policies impacting everything from oil and gas to new supply chains. Did someone forward you this newsletter? Subscribe here. Essential Reads  How policy will affect the energy and environment sectors now and in the future: Rubio warns Europe that Iran could impose 'tolling system' on Strait of Hormuz Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Friday warned European allies that Iran could set up a “tolling system” in the Strait of Hormuz after the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran ends.  Full Story Former Navy secretary: 'No doubt' US could run Strait of Hormuz Former U.S. Navy Secretary Kenneth Braithwaite said Friday there is "no doubt" that the U.S. Navy could run the Strait of Hormuz, a key passageway for the transport of oil.  Full Story What We're Reading  News we've flagged from other outlets touching on energy issues, the environment and other topics: Trump Officials in Talks With Wind Developers to Buy Back Leases (Bloomberg) Arctic sea ice hits lowest winter level as unprecedented heat smashes records all over Earth (NBC News) What Others are Reading  Two key stories on The Hill right now: Montana Senate candidate says he will introduce bill to draft Graham if elected A long-shot Libertarian candidate running for Senate in Montana pledged to introduce legislation to draft Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) into the military if elected.  Read more Senate Democrats defeat amendment to require photo ID to vote Senate Democrats on Thursday defeated an amendment sponsored by Sen. Jon Husted (R), Ohio's former secretary of state, to require voters to show photo ID when casting ballots in person or voting by mail, despite previous statements by Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer (N.Y.) that Democrats support photo ID requirements for elections. Read more   You're all caught up. See you Monday!  Check out The Hill's Energy & Environment page for the latest coverage. Like this newsletter? Take a moment to view our other topical products here 📩 Privacy Policy  |  Manage Subscriptions  |  Unsubscribe  400 N Capitol Street NW Suite 650, Washington, DC 20001 Copyright © 1998 - 2026 Nexstar Media Inc. | All Rights Reserved.

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