The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced on May 1 that it has issued a temporary emergency fuel waiver allowing the nationwide sale of E15, gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol, and removed federal impediments to selling E10, gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol. The agency said the move aims to strengthen the domestic gasoline supply chain and provide relief at the pump ahead of the summer driving season.
According to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, in consultation with the Department of Energy and in accordance with the Clean Air Act, these waivers are intended to prevent disruption in America’s fuel supply by keeping E15 available and offering Americans more fuel options. The EPA said that it is issuing this notice now so that industry stakeholders have adequate time to transition their distribution systems.
Several officials responded positively to the announcement. 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 commonsense 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."
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds said, "Grateful for EPA Administrator Zeldin’s announcement today that EPA will issue emergency fuel waivers to allow for sales of E15 nationwide this summer. It’s a win-win, E15 offers consumers lower fuel prices and supports market demand for farmers." Nebraska Governor Jim Pillen added that "The E15 summer waiver announcement from EPA Administrator Zeldin is great news for Nebraska and our corn farmers. This decision will save families money at the pump and reduce America’s need for foreign oil. A pro-agriculture move that is great for farmers and our country."
Industry leaders also welcomed the measure. Brian Jenning, CEO of American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), said: "We welcome the Trump administration’s action which will help consumers access a significantly less expensive fuel, shielding drivers from Middle East fuel price volatility." Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, said: "We applaud President Trump, EPA Administrator Zeldin, and our Midwestern governors for their support... With conflict in the Middle East... it’s more important than ever to shield U.S. consumers from volatility with lower-cost, American-made fuel."
Some officials called on Congress to enact permanent legislation allowing year-round sales of E15 rather than relying on temporary waivers each year. Mike Naig, Iowa Secretary of Agriculture & Land Stewardship said: "But to be clear... Congress has had multiple chances... they have failed... It’s long overdue for Congress to finally pass a permanent nationwide fix..." Additional details about this decision can be found on the official roster page.
