Gasoline with a higher concentration of ethanol - branded E15 - can now be sold year round Environmental Protection Agency officials announcing Friday morning.
"As President Trump promised, EPA is approving the year-round sale of E15 in time for summer driving season, giving drivers more choices at the pump," "EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said in a statement.
Growth Energy, the nation’s largest association of ethanol producers and supporters ic celebrating as CEO Emily Skor says the final rule will benefit drivers and farmers alike.
“We are grateful to President Trump for delivering on his promise to unleash the power of E15 all year-long,” said Skor. “The approval of year-round E15 is an incredible milestone for the biofuels industry, and the result of over a decade of hard work by Growth Energy, our members, our congressional champions, and folks all across rural America who made their voices heard. With year-round E15, retailers will have the regulatory certainty they need to offer American drivers a cleaner, more affordable fuel choice throughout the year. This action also means savings for American motorists at the pump and a sorely needed market for farmers who are facing a devastating economic downturn. We estimate this one change will generate over a billion new gallons of ethanol demand in the next five years. Over time, demand for E15 could boost the market for American grain by an additional two billion bushels. "
RFA President Geoff Cooper adding, “The ethanol industry thanks President Trump for personally championing this critical regulatory reform that will enhance competition, bolster the rural economy, and provide greater consumer access to cleaner, more affordable fuel options. We have always agreed with the President’s assertion that the outdated summertime prohibition on E15 was ‘unnecessary’ and ‘ridiculous.’ E15 already has a proven track record for saving drivers money at the pump and reducing emissions, and today’s action will ensure that more Americans are able to enjoy those benefits.”
As far as the production side of the industry, officials at POET calling the decision long overdue.
“The Trump Administration’s year-round E15 rule is a huge win for farmers, clean fuels and consumer choice. Millions of drivers will now have the freedom to choose cleaner-burning E15 and enjoy greater savings at the pump when they need it most – during the summer driving season when fuel prices peak," says CEO Jeff Broin. Nationwide adoption of E15 will drive the production of 7 billion gallons of biofuels, creating additional demand for 2 billion bushels of corn each year, and unlocking new domestic demand for homegrown fuels at a critical time for America’s farmers. We extend our deepest thanks and appreciation to President Trump, Vice President Pence, Secretary Perdue, and Administrator Wheeler for putting family farms, rural jobs, cleaner air, and American consumers first and delivering year-round E15 as promised.”
Over the last decade, Growth Energy has worked with top fuel retailers, like Sheetz, to expand options for American motorists. Today, E15 is sold at more than 1,800 locations in 31 states, with many more expected in the months and years ahead.
“This fix provides major regulatory relief for all retailers seeking to offer lower-cost, higher-octane options at the fuel pump,” said Mike Lorenz, Executive Vice President for Sheetz. “For too long, retailers had to pay millions to retool and relabel pumps each summer and fall, which creates needless confusion for drivers. Now our customers will have uninterrupted, year-round access to E15 and a chance to save money during the busy summer travel season.”