EPA decides to allow E15 ethanol sales this summer

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency fuel waiver Friday that will allow E15 — gasoline blended with 15% ethanol — to be sold during the upcoming summer driving season. 

The EPA regulates gasoline sold during the summer to reduce evaporative emissions that contribute to ground-level ozone. That regulation currently prohibits the summer sale of E15 in about two-thirds of the country. But some research has shown little difference between the air-quality impact of E15 and E10, which is available year-round.

The EPA’s new action extends a waiver for E10 blends to E15. 

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“This action will provide communities with relief at the pump from ongoing market supply issues created by the ongoing war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East by increasing fuel supply and offering a variety of gasoline fuel blends from which consumers can choose,” the EPA said in a news release. 

The EPA had previously approved the year-round sale of E15 for states that requested it, including South Dakota, but that separate order doesn’t take effect until 2025. Meanwhile, many ag-state leaders had pushed for a waiver this summer.

Most ethanol is made from corn. Farm organizations and ag-state lawmakers were quick to praise the new waiver.

U.S. Sens. John Thune, R-South Dakota, and Dick Durbin, D-Illinois, both members of the Senate Ag Committee, issued a joint statement. 

“Year-round access to E15 fuel is a huge win for American drivers, farmers, and the environment,” the statement said. 

In February, the South Dakota Legislature passed and Gov. Kristi Noem signed a bill that will allow gas stations to claim a fuel tax refund of up to 5 cents per gallon of E15 fuel sold.