EPA Allows Sales of E15 Gasoline

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued an emergency waiver allowing the nationwide sale of E15 gasoline—gasoline blended with 15% ethanol—during the summer driving season. Effective May 1, the waiver aims to maintain fuel supply and provide additional consumer options.

Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA administrator, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy, may temporarily waive fuel requirements in response to supply concerns. Due to ongoing gasoline shortages, the EPA has determined extreme conditions exist and granted a waiver to ensure availability.

E15 sales are typically restricted starting May 1 at terminals and June 1 at retail stations. The waiver extends the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) exemption, allowing continued sales. Additionally, the EPA has addressed requests from multiple states regarding E10 fuel standards, ensuring fair treatment of both E10 and E15 blends.

The EPA expects the waiver to stabilize fuel availability and may extend it if shortages persist. The agency will monitor fuel markets alongside industry and government partners.

This emergency action supports supply reliability and offers consumers broader fuel choices while complying with federal regulations.

Source: AgriMarketing.com