Trump Administration, EPA Allow for E15 This Summer

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued an emergency fuel waiver allowing the sale of E15—fuel blended with 15% ethanol—nationwide this summer. Approved for use by the EPA in cars, trucks, and SUVs model year 2001 and newer, E15 is also marketed as Unleaded 88 in a nod to its 88 octane rating.

The Minnesota Corn Growers Association (MCGA) thanks President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for issuing the waiver, which will provide families with relief at the pump, bolster U.S. energy independence, and support rural economies. E15 is available at more than 510 Minnesota fuel stations, and it typically sells at a discount of 15 cents to 25 cents compared to regular E10 gasoline.

[More: Unleaded 88 brings major savings at the pump]

“This action will ensure drivers nationwide have continued access to the reduced prices, increased consumer choice, and decreased tailpipe emissions offered by E15,” MCGA President Jim Kanten said in a statement. “We thank the EPA for its approving the emergency waiver, and we also thank our congressional delegation, including Senators Klobuchar and Smith, and Representatives Craig, Finstad, and Fischbach, for their work to ensure this action.”

In a release, the Minnesota Bio-Fuels Association noted that, thanks to a request from Governor Walz, this decision directly addresses the recent claims by Minnesota’s largest oil refiner about a ‘patchwork approach’ to E15. It harmonizes gasoline standards for both E10 and E15 this summer in the 7 Midwest states that have already moved to permanently allow year-round E15 sales.

“This marketplace flexibility ultimately means that if gas prices rise abnormally this summer, oil refiners won’t be able to scapegoat ethanol as the culprit,” MBA said.