The EPA is allowing the sale of cheaper, higher-ethanol E15 gasoline
across the US this summer
[April 29, 2025] By
JOHN HANNA
TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Consumers across the U.S. still will be able to buy
higher-ethanol blend E15 gasoline this summer, the Environmental
Protection Agency announced Monday, saving them a little money at the
pump but frustrating environmentalists who believe the move potentially
harms the air and water.
The emergency waiver issued by the EPA prevents retailers in most states
from having to stop selling E15 gasoline on May 1. While the waiver
remains in effect only through May 20, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin
signaled that he plans to keep issuing waivers through Sept. 15, the
date when the federal government typically would allow E15 sales in all
states again.
Most gasoline sold across the U.S. is blended with 10% ethanol, but 15%
blends are becoming increasingly common, particularly in the Midwest,
where most of the nation's corn is grown. E15 gasoline generally costs
at least 10 cents less a gallon than E10 gasoline, but the EPA had
previously prohibited its sale during the summer over concerns that its
use during the summer driving season could increase smog.
But the EPA has relaxed restrictions on E15, granting a series of
short-term waivers in 2022, 2023 and 2024 to allow its sale nationwide
through the summer. And last year, the EPA issued a rule allowing
year-round sales in eight Midwestern states — Iowa, usually the nation's
top corn producer, as well as Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska,
Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.
Trump administration officials said Monday's action will lower
consumers' costs and give them more choices at the pump while also
increasing the demand for corn. They also described it as reducing
America's reliance on imported energy.
“Our nation’s great corn growers are critical to helping the U.S.
achieve energy independence, which is essential to national security,”
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a statement.
[to top of second column] |
Storm clouds build above a corn field near Platte City, Mo., Aug.
27, 2024. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, file)
 While the ethanol industry and Iowa
officials praised the EPA's action, the Renewable Fuels Association,
a trade group for ethanol producers, argued that Congress should
approve legislation allowing year-round E15 sales across the U.S.
“For the economic and energy security benefits of E15 to be fully
realized, the marketplace needs long-term certainty,” President and
CEO Geoff Cooper said.
The biofuels industry and politicians in both major parties argue
that ethanol helps farmers, lowers prices at the pump and reduces
greenhouse gas because the fuel burns more cleanly than straight
gasoline.
But ethanol consumes about 40% of the nation's corn crop, and
environmentalists argue that higher corn production leads to higher
use of fertilizers that are a leading source of water pollution.
Zack Pistora, Kansas lobbyist for the Sierra Club, said ethanol
plants also use high amounts of water, and states like Kansas are
worried about the depletion of aquifers. He said it's “hypocritical”
to portray ethanol as environmentally friendly and said the Trump
administration should promote renewable energy, electric vehicles,
public transportation and sustainable agriculture.
“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,” Pistora said in an interview.
All contents © copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved |
