Bill
HB 3218
Allows year-round sale of E-15 gasoline (10.5%–15% ethanol) in Illinois, pending federal authorization; IEPA would pursue waivers if needed.
HB 3218 — Sale of E-15 Gasoline (Illinois)
Overview
HB 3218 would amend the Motor Fuel Sales Act to authorize the sale of motor fuel blends containing 10.5% to 15% ethanol (E-15) in Illinois year-round, to the extent allowed by federal law. If a federal waiver or authorization is required to permit year-round sale, the bill tasks the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) with taking all actions necessary to obtain that federal authorization on behalf of the State. The measure is currently in Rule 19(a) and has been re-referred to the Rules Committee.
What the bill would do
- Allow year-round sale of E-15 blends (ethanol content 10.5%–15% by volume) in Illinois, subject to applicable federal law.
- If federal authorization is required for year-round sales, require IEPA to pursue and obtain that authorization on behalf of Illinois.
- The change would be an amendment to the Motor Fuel Sales Act, adding a new Section 1.5.
Key provisions
- New authority under 815 ILCS 365/1.5: Sale of E-15 motor fuel blends.
- Subsection (a): E-15 blends may be sold in the State at any time during the year “to the extent allowed by federal law.”
- Subsection (b): If a waiver or federal authorization is needed for year-round sale, IEPA shall take all actions necessary to obtain that authorization for the State.
Who is affected
- Motor fuel retailers, distributors, and marketers that sell gasoline blends in Illinois.
- Illinois EPA (IEPA), which would lead federal-authorization efforts if required.
- Consumers who purchase gasoline blends containing 10.5%–15% ethanol.
- Potential downstream effects on fuel supply, pricing, and compatibility considerations for certain vehicles or equipment, depending on federal guidance and fuel formulations.
Federal law context and timing
- The bill hinges on federal authorization; year-round sale would only proceed to the extent federal law permits.
- IEPA would need to engage with federal agencies to obtain waivers or authorizations if necessary.
- Status updates indicate multiple committee referrals (including Revenue & Finance and Tax Policy: Sales Tax Subcommittee) and current placement under Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee.
Legislative history and sponsorship
- Sponsor: Representative Wayne A. Rosenthal (primary).
- Introduced: February 18, 2025 (LRB10408566SPS18618b); House Bill number HB3218.
- Latest status: Rule 19(a) / Re-referred to Rules Committee; other actions include initial readings, and referrals to Elections, Tax Policy, and Revenue & Finance committees.
Notes for readers
- The measure explicitly ties the sale of E-15 to federal permission, preserving compliance with federal standards.
- If federal authorization is granted or deemed unnecessary, Illinois could permit year-round E-15 sales, expanding ethanol-blend options at retailers.
Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.
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