Supporters argue expanded E15 access could strengthen the domestic biofuels market and benefit consumers, farmers, and fuel suppliers—especially in corn-producing states like Iowa. However, some small and mid-sized refining advocates warn the related exemption changes could hurt refinery economics.

Lawmakers have so far declined to attach the E15 provisions to a federal spending bill. Instead, they approved a measure establishing a rural domestic energy council to study the issue, delaying action on broader legislation. The delay has prompted criticism from farm and biofuel groups that have long pushed to expand ethanol market access.

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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.

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The National Corn Growers Association and state corn grower organizations, which have , 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.

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Advocates also outlined a range of “extreme and unusual” factors impacting the stability of U.S. fuel markets, including historically low domestic fuel inventories, record exports of U.S. fuel to allies overseas, and continued inflationary pressures on fuel consumers. Protecting summer access to E15 would help relieve pressure on U.S. fuel supplies, while reducing greenhouse gas emissions, lowering evaporative emissions, and supporting America’s farmers and rural economies, they argued. 

“While a permanent solution that would allow E15 sales year-round remains an important necessity, we urge you to take action on a temporary, emergency RVP waiver as soon as possible to remedy current and expected supply challenges resulting from ongoing conflict in Ukraine,” concluded the letter. 

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