EPA Greenlights E15 Fuel Sales This Summer

Summer Waiver Boosts Ethanol Use and Supports Corn Growers

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved an emergency waiver allowing the sale of E15 fuel nationwide this summer.

The waiver prevents restrictions typically in place from May 1 to September 15 due to concerns about higher smog levels in warmer months. The current waiver is effective through May 20, with more expected to follow until mid-September.

E15 fuel contains 15% ethanol, compared to the 10% blend found in most U.S. gasoline. It is typically cheaper at the pump and supports the corn industry, which supplies the majority of ethanol. Sales of E15 are already permitted year-round in eight Midwestern states.

Supporters believe the waiver will reduce consumer costs and promote domestic energy. “Our nation’s great corn growers are critical to helping the U.S. achieve energy independence, which is essential to national security,” said Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

The ethanol industry and farm groups welcomed the announcement, saying it would increase corn demand and offer financial relief. However, environmentalists remain concerned about the broader impact of ethanol production. They argue that increased corn farming contributes to fertilizer-related water pollution and that ethanol plants consume large amounts of water.

Zack Pistora of the Sierra Club criticized the policy, saying, “We need to dramatically reduce our fossil fuel dependence, but relying on corn-based ethanol doesn’t put our country on the path it needs.”

The Renewable Fuels Association urged lawmakers to provide long-term certainty by passing a bill that permits year-round nationwide E15 sales. Until then, the EPA plans to continue issuing temporary waivers to maintain access to cheaper fuel options.