The EPA is again allowing summer sales of higher ethanol gasoline blend, citing global conflicts
OMAHA, Neb.- The Environmental Protection Agency on Friday cleared the way for a higher blend of ethanol to be sold nationwide for the third summer in a row, citing global conflicts that it said are straining the world’s fuel supply.
The agency announced an emergency waiver that will exempt gasoline blended with 15% ethanol from an existing summer ban. Gasoline containing 10% ethanol is already sold nationwide, but the higher blend is banned in summer over concerns it could worsen smog in hot weather.
EPA Administrator Michael Regan said the waiver was justified because of “Russia’s unjustified, unprovoked and unconscionable war against Ukraine” and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, which he said is straining global fuel supplies. He said reduced U.S. refining capacity is also a factor.
The biofuels industry and politicians in Midwestern states where ethanol is produced from corn praised the EPA’s decision. They have portrayed ethanol as a product that helps farmers, lowers prices at the pump and reduces greenhouse gases because the fuel burns cleaner than gasoline.
“Allowing continued sales of E15 will help expand gasoline supplies, prevent fuel shortages, protect air quality and reduce CO2 emissions,” said Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association.
Iowa Governor Kim Reynolds called the decision “a huge victory for Iowa farmers, American energy independence and consumers.”
However, environmentalists and others have said that increased ethanol production could increase carbon emissions because it results in greater corn production, which leads to greater use of fertilizer and greater nitrate emissions. Synthetic and natural fertilizers are also a major source of water pollution.
Iowa leads in ethanol production, followed by Nebraska, Illinois, South Dakota, Minnesota and Indiana.
Most gasoline sold nationwide today is blended with 10% ethanol, although 15% blends are becoming more common, especially in the Midwest.
The EPA has approved the sale of E15 for cars and trucks manufactured after 2000. The RFA estimates that the higher blend will cost consumers more than 25 cents per gallon of less than 10% ethanol.
Earlier this year, the EPA permanently approved year-round sales of E15 in eight Midwestern states, starting next year. The exemption announced on Friday is temporary and only applies this year.