Making the E15 blend of ethanol more readily available is the objective of a bipartisan bill introduced by U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst and co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Charles Grassley.

The Republican senators are pushing the Ethanol for America Act, which they assert will make it easier for retailers to offer E15. The legislation directs the Environmental Protection Agency to implement rules favorable to E15 use.

The proposal is supported by various groups advocating for more use of renewable fuels.

“The most effective way to keep a lid on gas prices is to expand and diversify the domestic fuel supply with higher ethanol blends like E15,” Geoff Cooper, president and chief executive officer of the Renewable Fuels Association, said in a written statement. “Knocking down regulatory barriers and allowing E15 to be stored and distributed in existing infrastructure will lower fuel costs for Americans and strengthen the market’s resilience against global supply disruptions.”

Ernst and U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D- Minnesota, are the lead sponsors of the bill. Grassley, one other Republican senator and two Democratic senators are co-sponsors. A version of the bill has also been introduced in the House of Representatives.

Among other things the bill could confirm the compatibility of E15 with existing underground fuel storage and dispensing equipment, which would eliminate expensive equipment purchases in order to sell E15.

“We cannot allow outdated red tape to stand in the way of unleashing the benefits of E15,” Ernst said in a written statement.