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EPA allows E15 to be sold for ’23 summer driving season

The Environmental Protection Agency has issued an emergency waiver allowing E15 sales for the 2023 driving season.  

Ethanol and farm groups have been urging the agency to approve year-round sales, and American Coalition for Ethanol CEO Brian Jennings tells Brownfield, “Price concerns continue to be on the minds of Americans when it comes to what they’re paying at the pump. Supply for both crude oil and gasoline inventories are down today compared to a year ago when these emergency steps were taken.” 

The waiver will temporarily exempt the 15 percent-blended fuel from Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) requirements under the Clean Air Act from June 1 to September 15.  

EPA administrator Michael Regan says the waiver increases the fuel supply, supports farmers, strengthens US energy security, and benefits consumers.  

Jennings says while ACE is pleased with Friday’s announcement, it doesn’t solve the larger problem that E15 is not widely available year-round.  

Chairmen of the Nebraska Ethanol Board and farmer Jan TenBensel tells Brownfield the waiver is a stop-gap solution for states that have been granted year-round sales beginning in 2024. The EPA proposed a rule-making process in response to a petition from eight Midwestern governors to allow the fuel year-round. “We have more corn that we’re producing with less fertilizer and less fertilizer that we need a market for. We need a steady market.  We need a solid market that we know is going to be there.”

During a call with reporters Friday, Congresswoman Ashley Hinson of Iowa told Brownfield the waiver will help the US diversify its energy supply. “I will continue to push for E15 to be sold year-round permanently so that our hardworking farmers and producers have much-needed certainty.”

EPA says the waiver is in the public’s best interest as “extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances” still exist partly due to the ongoing war in Ukraine. 

POET, the world’s largest biofuels producer, says tight fuel supplies, increased prices and poor air quality, access to E15 sales provides a cleaner and affordable fuel option.

Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper says the action prevents fuel shortages, protects air quality and reduces carbon emissions.

Emily Skor, CEO of Growth Energy, says biofuel producers are capable of meeting demand for cleaner, more affordable choices at the pump.

National Corn Growers Association President Tom Haag says the waiver helps address fuel supply constraints and provides drivers fuel choices.