Drivers in much of the Midwest can fuel up year-round with a higher blend of ethanol thanks to a new decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
In March of 2023, the EPA delayed the implementation of a plan created by a bipartisan group of Midwest governors, the biofuels industry, and farming groups, that allowed for the sale of gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol or E15 year-round in each respective state until April of 2024.
The agency announced Thursday that it will grant a request by eight Midwestern governors to allow the year-round sale of fuel with a 15 percent ethanol blend, or E15, in their states beginning in the summer of 2025.
The announcement was welcomed by the National Corn Growers Association and state corn associations, which have been fighting to break down barriers to environmentally friendly biofuels.
“We are glad to hear this decision from EPA, as it puts us on the road to providing more certainty to America’s corn growers and consumers who will save money at the pump,” said NCGA President and Minnesota Farmer Harold Wolle. “However, given that this decision will not take effect until the summer of 2025, we question and are concerned about the implications of the timeline for growers and consumers this summer.”
The sale of E15 has been banned during the summer months to meet federal clean air standards that corn growers say are unnecessary and outdated. Over the last few years, the EPA has granted waivers to allow drivers continued access to environmentally friendly and affordable E15.
“We are very appreciative for all Governor Reynolds has done in leading the charge for access to higher blends of ethanol at the pump. With the EPA’s official ruling we can ensure all consumers across the state can save money and utilize products we grow right here in Iowa,” said Jolene Riessen a farmer from Ida Grove and Iowa Corn Growers Association President. “ICGA will continue to advocate alongside the National Corn Growers Association and our biofuels partners for a solution to the 2024 driving season to provide drivers access to E15, the more affordable fuel by 15-16 cents a gallon. Uninterrupted access to E15 year-round is vital for consumers and farmers alike.”
Despite the announcement, NCGA said a permanent legislative fix is still needed.
“While we are pleased with today’s decision, we still need a law that codifies access to higher levels of ethanol and that eliminates the patchwork of state regulations on the issue,” said Wolle. “That is why we are pushing for the passage of the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act in the Senate to solve this issue once and for all.”
