Trump’s EPA approves sales of E15 nationwide for summer

The Trump administration announced Monday it is allowing nationwide sales of higher-ethanol E15 gasoline this summer, a move it said would keep gasoline prices low and support U.S. agriculture.

The move, through an emergency waiver issued by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, temporarily exempts the 15 percent ethanol fuel blend from volatility requirements that effectively block sales from terminals starting May 1.

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The waiver follows ones issued by the Democratic Joe Biden administration in the 2022, 2023 and 2024 summer driving seasons over the objections of refiners and following weeks of lobbying by ethanol advocates. Temporary fuel waivers more typically are allowed to address fuel supply disruptions caused by infrastructure damage after natural disasters.

“While we are thankful to see increased access of E15 this summer, now is the time for Congress to push nationwide year-round E15 across the finish line,” said Iowa Renewable Fuels Association Executive Director Monte Shaw in a statement, saying the waiver would allow consumers across the county to save 15 to 20 cents per gallon.

“We are tired of waiting. Consumers and retailers are tired of waiting. E15 could provide a market for 5 to 7 billion gallons of additional ethanol demand at a time when American farmers and rural communities are hurting,” he said.

Nearly 97 percent of the ethanol produced in Iowa is used out-of-state, Shaw said.

Year-round sales of E15, in addition to the more common E10, already are allowed in eight Midwestern states — Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin — after pressure from farmers, renewable fuels industry groups and farm-state politicians. Those states grow the bulk of the U.S. corn crop and are home to much of the nation's ethanol production. The rule, announced last year, took effect in April.

During his first term, in May 2019, President Donald Trump directed his EPA to authorize year-round E15 across the country. However, a federal appeals court overturned the directive in 2021, saying the EPA overstepped its authority.

Republican Iowa Agriculture Secretary Mike Naig is among those who had written letters to the EPA, congressional leaders or others pressing for the summertime waiver and a permanent change in policy to allow E15 sales year-round nationwide.

“Iowa drivers saved $38.5 million in 2024 by choosing E15 over E10, and now drivers across the country can also take advantage of similar cost-savings at the pump,” Naig said in a statement.

Iowa Republicans U.S. Rep Ashley Hinson and Mariannette Miller-Meeks are among those who have championed legislation in Congress to make the E15 sales permanent.

The summer waiver “will provide families with relief at the pump by increasing fuel supply and ensuring a variety of gasoline fuel blends from which consumers can choose,” the EPA said Monday in a statement. “More options at the pump helps protect consumers by reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels and bolstering U.S. energy independence, all while supporting American agriculture and manufacturing.”

E15 can be found at over 4,100 gas stations in 33 states and is legal for sale in every state except California, according to Growth Energy, a biofuel trade group.

The Associated Press and The Gazette staff contributed to this report.