WASHINGTON — The below statements and press releases were submitted following the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement that gasoline blended with 15% ethanol may be sold at gas stations across the country this summer. For more information about this announcement, click here.
United States Department of Agriculture
Statement from Secretary Vilsack on Emergency Fuel Waivers for E15 Sales
“The Biden-Harris Administration has been the most supportive in our history for homegrown, renewable biofuels, which bolster American agriculture, expand people’s options for affordable fuel, strengthen our nation’s energy independence, and power the transportation sector that keeps our supply chains running. By allowing the summer sale of E15 at gas pumps nationwide, President Biden is supporting the creation of good-paying jobs and economic growth, particularly in rural and farm communities. At the same time, thanks to President Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, USDA is continuing to make critical investments in infrastructure to expand biofuels’ availability for drivers at thousands more retailers through competitive grants we expect to announce soon. The Inflation Reduction Act also sets the course for U.S. agriculture to lead the way in helping to build a new industry that will produce low carbon aviation and marine fuel, create more manufacturing jobs, and keep America’s aviation industry at the forefront of innovation. Through all of these actions, the Biden-Harris Administration demonstrates progress every day on behalf of consumers and farm communities across the nation.”
National Farmers Union
NFU Statement on EPA E15 Announcement
Today, National Farmers Union (NFU) President Rob Larew issued the following statement in response to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) announcement on E-15 to be sold during the summer driving season:
“Today’s announcement from EPA is good news for farmers and consumers heading into the summer travel season. Drivers will see increased choice and competition, farmers will see more opportunities for their bottom line, and we’ll all be one step further in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This is a win for everyone.”
National Corn Growers Association
EPA Moves to Maintain Consumer Access to Low-Cost, Low-Emission E15
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it will use existing authority to prevent drivers from losing access to lower-cost and lower-emission E15, a higher ethanol blend often marketed as Unleaded 88.
The National Corn Growers Association and state corn grower organizations, which have advocated for the move, praised the decision.
“We appreciate Administrator Regan’s timely action to prevent a disruption in E15 availability,” said National Corn Growers Association President Tom Haag. “EPA’s action will help address fuel supply constraints and ensure drivers continue to have access to a lower-cost fuel choice that cuts emissions.”
The fuel market conditions that warranted EPA taking the same successful step last year continue today, Haag noted, and he said corn growers are proud to contribute to an energy and environmental solution that saves consumers money at the pump.
Continued access to E15 during the summer months will help relieve ongoing energy supply pressures. When EPA took similar action last year, drivers saved nearly a dollar per gallon in some locations and an average of 23 cents per gallon during the summer months, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Commerce. E15 continues to save consumers significantly at the pump.
Moreover, allowing uninterrupted E15 sales keeps a lower-emission fuel in the marketplace. In addition to being lower in carbon emissions, E15 has lower volatility than regular fuel, which is a 10% ethanol blend, and using E15 results in lower evaporative and exhaust emissions, important during the summer driving season.
Renewable Fuels Association
RFA Welcomes Emergency E15 Waiver for Summer Driving Season
The emergency fuel waiver announced today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency will provide relief at the pump for American drivers this summer, while simultaneously reducing greenhouse gas emissions and tailpipe pollution. The Renewable Fuels Association welcomed EPA’s announcement, which will allow lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 (gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol) to be sold during the summer driving season.
“We join consumers across the nation in thanking EPA Administrator Regan for taking action to combat potential fuel shortages and higher gas prices this summer,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “U.S. gasoline inventories are even tighter than they were a year ago, and Putin’s war on Ukraine continues to wreak havoc on global fuel supplies. EPA’s action allowing summertime E15 will help extend gasoline supplies, prevent fuel shortages, protect air quality and reduce carbon emissions. We thank EPA, USDA, DOE, and the entire Biden administration for ensuring drivers across the country will continue to have access to lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 all summer long.”
EPA took the same action ahead of last summer, resulting in nearly $60 million in savings at the pump for American consumers during the summer months. Recent analysis by the RFA shows that since the beginning of 2022, E15 has typically sold for 20-30 cents per gallon less than regular E10 gasoline, saving drivers an average of $3-5 on each fill-up.
Today’s decision will also reduce summertime air pollution, as shown in RFA’s “E15 Fact Check” released last spring. And, according to EPA, “consumers can continue to use E15 without concern that its use in the summer will impact air quality.”
Prior to today’s action, EPA on March 6 proposed to approve a bipartisan petition from eight Midwest governors that will allow retailers and marketers in their states to permanently sell E15 year-round beginning in 2024.
National Sorghum Producers
Sorghum Producers Applaud E15 Waiver Announcement
National Sorghum Producers Chairman Craig Meeker, a sorghum farmer from Wellington, Kansas, made the following statement in response to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Michael Regan’s announcement today the agency will approve an emergency waiver to allow the sale of E15, a fuel blend made with 15 percent ethanol, during the summer driving season.
“The sale of E15 is good for not only American sorghum farmers and ethanol producers but also the American consumer. Sorghum made into climate-friendly ethanol gives consumers access to home-grown, cleaner fuel that will help lower the price at the pump for everyone. We appreciate Administrator Regan and the Biden Administration for acknowledging these benefits and encourage the EPA pursue a permanent fix to E15, eliminating unnecessary restrictions that support a pathway to greater energy independence and security for our nation.”
