EPA approves E15 summer waiver

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued its fifth consecutive temporary emergency waiver to allow nationwide summer sale of E15.

“This temporary emergency fuel waiver to allow nationwide sales of E15, gasoline blended with 15% ethanol, and to remove all federal impediments to selling E10, gasoline blended with 10% ethanol, across the country,” the agency’s announcement said.

“Through the waiver, EPA is fortifying the domestic gasoline supply chain and providing Americans relief at the pumps ahead of the summer driving season. Beginning on May 1, EPA’s waivers will work to prevent disruption in America’s fuel supply by keeping E15 on the market and giving Americans more fuel options.”

EPA issued the waiver notice March 25 to allow fuel industry stakeholders adequate time to transition the fuel distribution system.

As required by the Clean Air Act, the EPA and the Department of Energy evaluated the current situation and determined that granting the waiver was in the public interest.

E15 is currently offered at over 3,000 gas stations nationwide, where it serves as a more affordable choice. Without this action, E15 gasoline cannot be used by roughly half of the country this summer.

Additionally, EPA is also waiving federal enforcement of all state “boutique” fuel requirements for gasoline, allowing the production and distribution of gasoline with 9% to 15% ethanol content at a single common Reid Vapor Pressure standard of 10 pounds per square inch across the nation.

EPA’s actions will go into effect on May 1, 2026, for most states, and will initially remain in place through May 20, 2026. This 20-day window is the maximum number of days allowed under the CAA.

Legislation Stalled

This move comes two months after the U.S. House leadership omitted a piece of the appropriations package that would have permanently allowed year-round sales of E15.

That appropriations bill in January instead included the creation of the E15 Rural Domestic Energy Council, appointed by House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., “to develop legislative solutions to address the crisis facing our nation’s farmers and refiners.”

Under the bill, the council is required to examine not only E15 expansion, but also mandates it to “investigate topics including, but not limited to,” E15, U.S. refinery capacity, the Renewable Fuels Standard, EPA’s Renewable Identification Numbers, “access to markets and federal regulations that hinder American energy dominance.”

The council was to develop bills and submit them to Congress no later than Feb. 15 with the House expected to consider such legislation no later than Feb. 25.

However, any legislation remains stalled over continued disagreements about how midsize refineries could receive exemptions from biofuel blending mandates.

Not Enough

Farmers and industry leaders supported EPA’s move, but agree a longer term solution of year-round E15 is a priority.

“EPA’s action to allow continued access to E15 this summer provides short-term certainty for consumers at the pump, but this waiver must be repeatedly reinforced every 20 days until Congress enacts a permanent, year-round E15 solution. With fuel prices up 30% since the Iran conflict began, expanding the use of domestic ethanol can help lower costs for consumers while delivering the long-term market stability farmers need.”

Mark Bunselmeyer, president

Illinois Corn Growers Association

“This development will not only help America’s corn growers who are doing their best to navigate tough economic times, but also it will save drivers money at the pump. In fact, drivers save a quarter a gallon on average with E15. This development is no substitute for action that would allow for the permanent, year-round sale of E15. We call on Congress to heed the calls from President Trump and our congressional allies and immediately pass E15 legislation.”

Jed Bower, president

National Corn Growers Association

“Nationwide access to E15 is a much-needed win for family farmers and consumers alike. At a time of increasing global uncertainty, E15 helps lower costs at the pump while creating reliable markets for farmers. However, this remains a temporary fix. It’s past time for Congress to deliver commonsense legislation that allows for the year-round, nationwide sale of E15.”

Rob Larew, president

National Farmers Union

“Biofuels play an important role in meeting America’s energy needs and are a win-win for farmers and drivers. E15 gasoline saves consumers 10 to 30 cents per gallon at the pump and creates markets for American-grown crops. Permanent sales of E15 blends would increase demand for corn by roughly 2.4 billion bushels a year.”

Zippy Duvall, president

American Farm Bureau Federation

“While EPA’s announcement is good news for American families, a permanent legislative solution allowing year-round E15 is still needed. For the economic and energy security benefits of E15 to be fully realized, the marketplace needs stability and long-term certainty. Consumers, fuel producers and farmers alike desperately need Congress to pass legislation that would deliver permanent year-round access for E15 and finally break the cycle of ad hoc, stop-gap emergency waivers.”

Geoff Cooper, president and CEO

Renewable Fuels Association