So here's a thing about gasoline prices: they're high, and politicians are looking for ways to bring them down. Governor JB Pritzker of Illinois decided to weigh in on Tuesday, pushing for Washington to make E15 fuel available year-round at the pump. It's a move he says would help lower prices for consumers and, not coincidentally, give a boost to Illinois' corn farmers by increasing demand for ethanol.
But Pritzker didn't stop there. He also took a shot at President Donald Trump, accusing him of "looking out for his corporate donors" while ordinary "Americans pay more at the pump." The criticism ties into broader concerns about Trump's stance on Iran, which has become a flashpoint in the debate over energy costs and foreign policy.
What Is E15, Anyway?
Let's break this down. E15 fuel is basically regular gasoline mixed with ethanol, which comes from fermenting the starch in corn kernels. The Environmental Protection Agency says it contains "10.5% to 15% ethanol" and is available across 31 states at about 3,000 fuel stations. You can't use it in motorcycles, but for cars, it's considered a greener option that promotes lower emissions.
According to the Renewable Fuels Association, E15 sales jumped 23% in 2025 to a record 1.52 billion gallons. Data from E85 prices shows the average price of E15 in the U.S. was $3.40 per gallon. Not bad, right? Well, there are some catches. E15 can lead to lower fuel economy, reduced power, and potential wear on engine parts like rubber hoses and fuel injectors. It's also not recommended for vehicles older than 2001. So, it's a trade-off: cheaper and cleaner, but maybe not ideal for every car or driver.
The Iran War and Fuel Costs
Meanwhile, the administration is facing heat over the Iran war. Senator Elizabeth Warren slammed Trump for what she called an "illegal" conflict, saying it's cost Americans over $8.4 billion in additional expenses at the fuel pump. That's a lot of money, and it's fueling criticism from lawmakers who see the war as a driver of higher prices.
Amid supply chain worries at the Strait of Hormuz, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy tried to shift the focus to domestic energy. He touted the progress of Sable Offshore Corp's (SOC) oil pipeline off the coast of Santa Barbara, California, and took a swipe at Governor Gavin Newsom, calling him a "climate alarmist" who wants to keep California dependent on foreign oil. It's a classic political tug-of-war: drill more at home versus go green, with gas prices caught in the middle.
Pritzker had earlier criticized escalating tensions in the Middle East and slammed Trump for calling the war an "investment" for future generations. It's a reminder that in politics, everything is connected—foreign policy, energy, and what you pay at the pump.
Where Oil Prices Stand
So, how high are prices right now? According to the American Automobile Association, the national average for a gallon of gasoline is $4.118. California and Hawaii are leading the pack at $5.884 and $5.650 per gallon, respectively. Ouch.
Crude oil prices fell sharply on Tuesday, with West Texas Intermediate at $91.68 per barrel and Brent Crude at $95.71 per barrel. That drop might offer some relief, but it's a volatile market, especially with geopolitical tensions simmering. For drivers, every penny counts, and politicians like Pritzker are betting that solutions like E15 could make a difference—if Congress goes along with it.
