The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will proceed with plans to allow the year-round sale of higher-ethanol E15 fuel, starting on April 28 in eight states.
The big picture: The decision to make E15 fuel available year-round was a longstanding request from midwestern lawmakers and the biofuels industry.
- States including Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin had requested waivers to sell the fuel throughout the year, as opposed to only during high-demand summer months.
Driving the news: The Biden administration first proposed this change in February of last year, marking a rare moment of continuity between the Biden and Trump administrations in terms of environmental policy.
- This move is seen as a step towards ensuring available and affordable fuel supply while also promoting the use of ethanol as a cleaner alternative to traditional fuels.
What he’s saying: “Today’s decision underscores EPA’s commitment to consumer access to E15 while ensuring a smooth transition for fuel suppliers and refiners,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin in a statement. “Our approach provides certainty for states that are ready to move forward with year-round E15 while accommodating those that requested additional time. We will continue working with all stakeholders to ensure available and affordable fuel supply.”
