Biofuel and ag groups urge EPA for E15 emergency waiver

A coalition of biofuel and agricultural organizations, including Growth Energy, Renewable Fuels Association, National Corn Growers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union and National Sorghum Producers, has jointly called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to promptly issue an emergency waiver for E15 sales.

In a letter addressed to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, the groups highlighted the global conflicts and unrest, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, which pose risks to the United States' transportation energy supply. They emphasized that these disruptions could lead to constrained fuel supply and increased gasoline prices domestically.

The coalition stressed the need for EPA to authorize the summer sale of gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol to mitigate the ongoing disruptions to global energy markets, stabilize gasoline prices for American consumers, and support domestic energy security.

Citing the consumer cost savings associated with E15, the groups pointed out that allowing the year-round sale of E15, even on a temporary basis, has been proven to result in significant savings for consumers. They highlighted that consumers choosing E15 experienced average cost savings of 10-30 cents per gallon, with some locations offering over $1 off per gallon in 2022 and 2023.

E15, a fuel blend made of gasoline and 15% ethanol, has been approved by the EPA for use in all cars, trucks, and SUVs made in model year 2001 and newer, representing over 96% of all vehicles on the road today. The fuel blend is available at over 3,400 gas stations across the country, and Americans have driven more than 100 billion miles on this blend.

The coalition's call for the emergency waiver aims to address the current challenges in the global energy landscape and provide relief to American consumers by enabling the widespread availability of E15 during the summer months.

For further information, the full text of the letter to the EPA is available.