Today, for the fourth consecutive year, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it is issuing an emergency fuel waiver to allow E15 to be sold during the summer driving season, following President Trump’s Executive Order Declaring a National Energy Emergency. The waiver also allows E10 to exceed the 1-pound RVP waiver, so consistent and uniform fuel specifications for both E10 and E15 are applied nationwide this summer. American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings issued the statement below following the announcement:
“We welcome the Trump administration’s decision to issue an emergency waiver for E15 this summer. Once again, this action will help alleviate fuel costs for drivers while reducing tailpipe emissions at a time when both economic and environmental concerns remain top of mind.
“ACE made year-round E15 access a top priority during our DC Fly-In last month, and we’re grateful to our members and Congressional champions who continue to advocate on this issue. Last year, EPA finalized a rule to allow permanent, year-round E15 sales in some Midwest states starting today — thanks to strong leadership from state governors and persistent grassroots pressure from our industry.
“Nevertheless, emergency waivers and a patchwork of state-specific rules are a temporary remedy, and we badly need a permanent fix to allow E15 year-round on a nationwide basis. It is long past time Congress takes action. We came incredibly close to getting the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act across the finish line at the end of 2024, and now Congress must finish the job and guarantee Americans year-round access to E15. Particularly during a time of tariff-related trade disruptions, uninterrupted market access to E15 is essential to supporting corn demand and improving farm income. Enacting legislation to allow E15 nationwide access will save families money at the pump, increase domestic fuel production, strengthen U.S. energy security, boost the farm economy, reduce tailpipe pollution, and bring long-overdue certainty to fuel markets for retailers and refiners alike.”
Today, more than 95% of all U.S. vehicles are approved to use E15 and over 4,000 retail sites offer E15 across 33 states. E15 typically costs 5 to 25 cents per gallon less than E10 and 40 cents to $1.00 less than non-ethanol gasoline. With a higher-octane rating and lower emissions profile, E15 gives consumers the ability to choose a higher quality, cleaner-burning fuel at a better price.