The American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) reacted to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) proposed rule today, which implements the bipartisan group of Midwest governors’ request to remove the 1-psi volatility waiver for gasoline-ethanol blends in their states. EPA’s rule would ensure retailers in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin can continue to sell E15 with interruption, but not until 2024. ACE CEO Brian Jennings issued the following statement in reaction:
“While ACE appreciates this step for 2024, EPA made multiple public promises these Midwest states would be approved for E15 market access in time for the 2023 summer driving season. Now, the Administration appears to be caving to refiner crocodile tears by kicking the can to 2024 instead. This delay means consumers in conventional gasoline areas of the country will be forced to pay more at the pump this year and retailers who want to offer lower cost E15 to their customers will be penalized.”
ACE supports and will actively work to pursue these steps following the release of EPA’s proposed rule:
- Recommend EPA immediately reschedule this change to go into effect for 2023 for the 8 Midwest States;
- Urge the Biden administration to consider an emergency waiver in 2023 for all conventional gasoline areas of the country, consistent with yesterday’s request by a bipartisan group of U.S. Senators.
- Work with Congress to enact bipartisan legislation to permanently allow blends above E10 to be used nationwide.
“EPA’s proposed delay makes a more permanent, nationwide E15 solution even more critical, and ACE will remain engaged with Congress and our industry partners on the re-introduction of the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, legislation to permanently allow E15 across the entire nation,” Jennings added. “We will make this legislation a major priority for our Hill visits during the ACE fly-in March 29 and 30.”