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EPA Approves Nationwide Summer Sales of E15 Gasoline Under Emergency Waiver

The waiver, effective May 1, aims to boost fuel supply, lower costs, and expand ethanol market access during peak driving season.

FILE - Storm clouds build above a corn field near Platte City, Mo., Aug. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel, file)
Choices at the gas pump including ethanol or no ethanol gas are seen in Des Moines, Iowa, U.S., January 29, 2020.   REUTERS/Brian Snyder
Pumps are shown at Rich Bohnen's service station at 60th and Penn Ave. S. in Minneapolis on Monday, Oct. 28, 2013.
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Overview

  • The EPA issued an emergency waiver allowing the nationwide sale of E15 gasoline during the summer months, effective May 1, 2025.
  • E15, a fuel blend with 15% ethanol, is typically restricted in summer due to concerns about smog formation in warmer weather.
  • This move is expected to increase fuel supply, reduce pump prices, and benefit biofuel producers and corn farmers by expanding demand for ethanol.
  • The waiver follows similar temporary measures under the Biden administration from 2022 to 2024 and coincides with a new Midwest year-round E15 policy implemented earlier this month.
  • Environmental concerns persist, with critics warning of potential air quality impacts, while proponents argue these claims are overstated.