TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) — Customers throughout the United States will still have access to purchase
higher-ethanol blend E15 gasoline
This past summer, the Environmental Protection Agency declared on Monday that this would save people some money on fuel, yet it disappointed those concerned about the environment who think this action could adversely affect the air and water quality.
The emergency exemption provided by the Environmental Protection Agency stops retailers in most states from ceasing the sale of E15 fuel starting May 1. Although this exemption will be valid until May 20, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin indicated his intention to continue granting these exemptions up to September 15, which is generally when the federal government permits E15 sales across all states once more.
A majority of gasoline sold throughout the United States contains a blend of 10% ethanol, yet mixes containing 15% ethanol are gaining popularity, especially in the Midwest region, which produces much of the country’s corn supply. Typically, E15 fuel sells for about 10 cents per gallon cheaper compared to E10 fuel; however, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) had formerly banned its summertime sales due to worries that using higher-ethanol-content fuels might contribute more to ozone pollution during peak travel months.
However, the EPA has eased limitations on E15, issuing multiple temporary exemptions in 2022, 2023, and 2024 to permit its sale across the country throughout the summer. Additionally, the EPA took action last year.
issued a rule
permitting all-year sales in eight Midwest states — including Iowa, typically the country’s leading corn grower, along with Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.
U.S. government representatives from the Trump administration stated on Monday that this move would decrease expenses for consumers and provide greater variety of options when purchasing fuel, while simultaneously boosting the demand for corn. Additionally, they mentioned it would lessen America’s dependence on foreign sources of energy.
“Our country’s prominent corn producers play a vital role in assisting the United States attain energy independence, an indispensable factor for national security,” stated Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.
Although the ethanol sector and authorities from Iowa welcomed the EPA’s decision, the Renewable Fuels Association, which represents ethanol manufacturers, contended that Congress ought to pass legislation permitting nationwide E15 sales throughout the entire year.
“To fully realize the economic and energy security advantages of E15, the market requires long-term clarity,” stated President and CEO Geoff Cooper.
Proponents of the biofuels sector along with political figures from both prominent parties assert that ethanol benefits farmers, decreases fuel costs at the pumps, and cuts down on greenhouse gases since this alternative fuel combusts more efficiently compared to pure gasoline.
However, ethanol utilizes approximately 40% of the country’s corn supply, and environmental advocates contend that increased corn cultivation results in greater usage of fertilizers, which are a major cause of water contamination.
Zack Pistora, who works as a lobbyist for the Sierra Club in Kansas, pointed out that ethanol facilities consume substantial quantities of water. This has raised concerns among states such as Kansas regarding the potential draining of underground reservoirs. He argued it’s “inconsistent” to present ethanol as an eco-friendly option and suggested instead that the Trump administration ought to support various forms of clean energy including renewables, electric cars, public transit systems, and practices aimed at promoting sustainability within farming.
“We must significantly decrease our reliance on fossil fuels, yet depending on corn-based ethanol won’t steer our nation towards the necessary trajectory,” Pistora stated during an interview.
John Hanna, The Canadian Press