The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is issuing an emergency fuel waiver to allow E15 gasoline to be sold during the summer.
According to an April 29 EPA news release, this action is intended to increase fuel supply for the summer by providing drivers with more choices at the pump as the nation's fuel supply has been impacted by the ongoing Ukraine-Russia conflict. The waiver went into effect May 1.
“President Biden and this administration are committed to protecting American consumers from the impacts of Russia’s unprovoked attack against Ukraine,” EPA Administrator Michael S. Regan said in the release. “Putin’s war has had a profound impact on global and domestic energy markets. In consultation with Secretary Granholm, I have concluded that it is necessary to take action to allow E15 sales during the summer driving season in order to minimize and prevent disruption of summertime fuel supply to consumers.”
E15 gasoline uses a 15 percent ethanol blend.
This action will also advance the Biden Administration's goals of reducing the nation's reliance on fossil fuels, increasing U.S. energy independence, promoting the transition to clean energy and supporting American agriculture and manufacturing.
The EPA has said to be working in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy to actively monitor the market supply disruptions that are being caused by Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The Clean Air Act established that the EPA administrator is allowed to temporarily waive certain fuel requirements in order to address shortages if it consulted with the Department of Energy.
