The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on May 1 that it has issued a temporary emergency fuel waiver to allow nationwide sales of E15, gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol, and removed all federal impediments to selling E10, gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol, across the country.
According to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, "EPA is working with our federal partners to reduce unnecessary costs and uncertainty and ensure that gas prices remain affordable for all Americans through the summer. This emergency action will provide American families with relief by increasing fuel supply and consumer choice. President Trump has prioritized ensuring American families have an affordable domestic energy supply. The Trump Administration has made great strides on this during the first year and will continue to do so."
U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins said, "President Trump is unleashing American Energy Dominance, and today’s action will directly lower prices at the pump and gives a clear demand signal to our domestic biofuels producers. Allowing the summer sale of E-15 will provide drivers more options at the pump, and deliver a bigger domestic market for American farmers. While today’s announcement is great news for farmers, year-round E-15 is essential for the farm economy, and Congress needs to find a common sense solution that provides much needed certainty to consumers and farmers. Once again, Administrator Zeldin and President Trump’s cabinet is delivering for our great American farmers. Our energy security is truly a national security priority, and our nations corn farmers are a key part of the solution."
The EPA said that these waivers are intended to fortify the domestic gasoline supply chain ahead of the summer driving season by preventing disruption in America’s fuel supply while providing Americans with more fuel options. The waiver notice was issued early so that industry stakeholders have adequate time to transition their distribution systems.
The emergency waiver temporarily lifts summer low volatility requirements and blending limitations for gasoline in order to increase flexibility in the marketplace without changing existing environmental protections. The actions go into effect on May 1, 2026 for most states and remain in place through May 20, 2026—the maximum duration allowed under current law.
EPA indicated it will continue monitoring fuel supplies alongside industry partners and may extend waivers if necessary according to ongoing circumstances as listed on the official roster page.
