The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday said it would allow summer sales of E15 this year starting May 1.
The EPA will be issuing an temporary emergency fuel supply waiver for E15, a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline that is currently barred from being sold from terminals after May 1 and at retail stations after June 1 due to a higher risk of volatility in hot weather. EPA also issued summer waivers in 2022 and 2023.
The agency, in a press release, said it "does not expect any impact on air quality" from issuing the waiver. It also said the waiver would protect consumers against "fuel supply shocks by reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels."
“Allowing E15 sales during the summer driving season will increase fuel supply, while supporting American farmers, strengthening our nation’s energy security, and providing relief to drivers across the country," EPA administrator Michael Regan said in a press release.
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Corn and ethanol groups praised the announcement. National Corn Growers Association President Harold Wolle said the waiver is "good news for corn growers and those in rural America who will benefit economically from this decision and for consumers who will save money at the pump during a busy travel season."
Both Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper and American Coalition for Ethanol CEO Brian Jennings put out statements expressing gratitude for the action, but added that they believe Congress should act to pass a measure allowing year-round sales of E15 nationwide.
"A permanent solution to year-round E15 will ensure these benefits aren’t left to the whim of ad hoc agency decision making in the future," Jennings said in a release.
