New York: The Trump administration on Monday approved an emergency waiver to allow the sale of E15 gasoline, a fuel blend containing 15% ethanol, throughout the United States during the summer. Officials say the decision is intended to increase fuel availability during the busy driving season and help lower gas prices, reported Reuters.
The move is expected to benefit corn farmers and biofuel producers, who have long supported expanding access to E15, arguing it boosts demand for U.S. crops and provides consumers with more fuel options.
“This decision will help drivers by giving them more affordable choices at the pump and will boost demand for American-grown corn,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. “It’s a win for farmers and for families trying to save money on fuel.”
E15 sales are usually restricted during summer months due to concerns that it may contribute to smog. However, the biofuel industry argues that these concerns are outdated and not supported by current data.
The Environmental Protection Agency, which issued the waiver, said it will take effect on May 1. The agency expects to keep the waiver in place until it determines it is no longer needed. Similar waivers have been issued in recent summers.
“With energy prices being affected by global tensions, we’re grateful the administration is acting quickly to prevent shortages and keep gas prices from rising too much,” said Geoff Cooper, president of the Renewable Fuels Association, which represents the biofuels industry.
Earlier this year, the EPA said it would stick to an April 28 timeline to implement a separate rule allowing year-round sales of E15 in several Midwestern states.
As part of Monday’s decision, the EPA also waived rules that would have required E10 gasoline sold in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin to meet a stricter standard than fuel sold in other regions.
