Trump EPA Approves Sales of High-Ethanol E15 Gasoline for Summer

(Bloomberg) -- The Trump administration announced it is allowing nationwide sales of higher-ethanol E15 gasoline this summer, a move it said would would keep gasoline prices low and support US agriculture.

The move, via an emergency waiver issued by the Environmental Protection Agency Monday, temporarily exempts the 15% ethanol fuel blend from volatility requirements that effectively block sales from terminals starting May 1. 

The Trump administration is issuing this waiver — with more to follow — using the same emergency power tapped by former President Joe Biden during the 2022, 2023 and 2024 summer driving seasons, over the objections of refiners and following weeks of lobbying by ethanol advocates. Temporary fuel waivers are more typically allowed to address fuel supply disruptions caused by infrastructure damage after natural disasters.

“This emergency action will provide families with relief at the pump by increasing fuel supply and ensuring a variety of gasoline fuel blends from which consumers can choose,” the EPA said in a statement. “More options at the pump helps protect consumers by reducing our reliance on imported fossil fuels and bolstering US energy independence, all while supporting American agriculture and manufacturing.”

E15 can be found at over 4,100 gas stations in 33 states and is legal for sale in every state except California, according to Growth Energy, a biofuel trade group which counts representatives of companies such as ethanol maker Poet LLC and Cargill Inc. on its board.

Corn futures slid 0.2% as of 10:37 a.m. in Chicago, having erased most of its earlier losses.

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