The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency fuel waiver to allow E15 to be sold during the summer driving season.
The agency says the move will provide communities with relief at the pump from ongoing market supply issues created by the ongoing Ukraine war and conflict in the Middle East by increasing the fuel supply and offering a variety of fuel blends that consumers can choose from.
“EPA is taking action to ensure that American consumers have more choices at the pump,” says EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “Allowing E15 sales during the summer driving season will increase fuel supply while supporting American farmers, strengthening our nation’s energy security, and providing relief to drivers across the country.”
Current estimates indicate that on average, E15 is about 25 cents a gallon cheaper than E10. The Clean Air Act allows the EPA administrator to temporarily waive certain fuel requirements to address shortages.
The National Corn Growers (NCGA), who have advocated for the move, applauded the decision.
“This waiver is good news for corn growers and those in rural America who will benefit economically from this decision and for consumers who will save money at the pump during a busy travel season,” says NCGA President Harold Wolle. “We deeply appreciate the EPA, the administration, and our congressional allies for all their work on this issue.”
Under current policy, E15 cannot be sold at terminals beginning on May 1 and at retail stations starting on June 1.
NCGA say it is working with allies, including the petroleum industry, on federal legislation that would provide permanent, year-round access to E15.
Source: NAFB News Service
