Ethanol Blog

LINCOLN, Neb. (DTN) -- Agriculture and biofuels groups have asked the Biden administration to issue an emergency waiver to allow for continued E15 sales this summer, saying in a letter to the EPA on Tuesday that unrest connected to the world's fuel supply makes it necessary to continue the sales.

"New and ongoing conflicts across the globe continue to pose risks to the United States' transportation energy supply," the groups said in the letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan.

"In addition to the conflict in Ukraine, now extending into its third year, the recent unrest and volatility in the Middle East present additional challenges to American energy security. In particular, attacks on shipping in the Red Sea have already had a disruptive effect on the transit of fuel in the region, raising the specter of constrained supply and increased gasoline prices at home."

The letter signed by the Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, National Corn Growers Association, American Farm Bureau Federation, National Farmers Union and National Sorghum Producers, asks the agency to make the waiver effective on May 1, 2024, ahead of the summer driving season.

The groups said the waiver would help remedy ongoing disruptions to global energy markets, stabilize gasoline prices for American consumers and support domestic energy security.

"The consumer cost savings that result from allowing the year-round sale of E15, even on a temporary basis, are well-established," the letter said.

"As a result of the emergency waivers issued in 2022 and 2023, consumers choosing E15 experienced average cost savings of 10 to 30 cents per gallon, with some locations offering over $1 off per gallon."

The EPA recently issued a final rule to allow permanent year-round E15 sales in eight Midwest states. That rule is not taking effect until 2025.

"Continued access to E15 would also contribute to U.S. energy security in an increasingly volatile and uncertain global petroleum marketplace and at home, support America's farmers and rural economies," the letter said.

Todd Neeley can be reached at todd.neeley@dtn.com

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