Today, for the third 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 in response to the ongoing impact of the war in Ukraine and the Middle East. For U.S. consumers who are facing rising prices, this action will provide a lower cost and cleaner choice at the pump. American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings issued the statement below following the announcement:
“We are grateful EPA has once again responded to our requests for a national emergency waiver for E15 which will relieve pain at the pump and reduce pollution from vehicles over the summer months. ACE members pushed EPA to take this action during our DC fly-in last month and nearly 200 of our grassroots advocates contacted President Biden and Administrator Regan this month in support of an emergency waiver before the start of the 2024 summer driving season.
"Earlier this year, the Biden administration finally confirmed E15 can permanently be offered in eight Midwest states, but postponed year-round access in those states until the summer of 2025. Today’s action is an important reminder that higher ethanol blends play a critical part in our nation’s energy security as well as contribute significant climate and air quality benefits. A permanent solution to year-round E15 will ensure these benefits aren’t left to the whim of ad hoc agency decision making in the future.
“The Biden administration has rightfully exercised emergency authority to enable nationwide access to E15 for three summer driving seasons, but ultimately Congress must adopt the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (S. 2707) to ensure continuous access to E15 nationwide.”
More than 95 percent of all U.S. vehicles are approved to use E15 and nearly 3,400 retail sites offer E15 across 30 states. E15 typically costs 5 to 25 cents per gallon less than E10 and 40 cents to $1.00 less than non-ethanol gasolines. E15 also has a higher-octane rating, so allowing its sale gives consumers the option to buy a higher quality product for less money.