Ethanol Blog

LINCOLN, Neb. (DTN) -- Despite calls to delay the implementation of year-round E15 in eight Midwest states, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency on Friday announced it was sticking to the original plan to implement the plan by April 28, 2025.

Those states making the request included Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

The EPA on Friday said it still is considering one-year delays for states that make such a request.

"EPA strongly urges any state requesting a one-year delay to inform the agency in writing no later than Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025," the agency said in a news release.

"EPA intends to consider any additional states' request submitted by Feb. 26 and aims to provide refiners and fuel suppliers with the final opportunity to make necessary adjustments to ensure the long-term success of year-round E15."

In January 2025, Ohio Republican Gov. Mike DeWine asked the agency to delay the E15 implementation by one year citing concerns from petroleum industry interests in the state.

"Today's decision underscores EPA's commitment to consumer access to E15 while ensuring a smooth transition for fuel suppliers and refiners," EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in a statement.

"Our approach provides certainty for states that are ready to move forward with year-round E15 while accommodating those that requested additional time. We will continue working with all stakeholders to ensure available and affordable fuel supply."

Petroleum interests have asked for delays in implementing year-round E15 in the states because of concerns about meeting supply needs in those states.

Fuel retailers in those states would be required to produce two new fuel types -- regular and premium. Because gasoline distribution systems are connected across the country, the changes in the eight states are expected to affect fuel quality and supply across the country.

The new EPA rule allows states to use the same volatility limitation for both E15 and E10 -- essentially putting E10 and E15 on the same footing.

Just last week legislation was introduced in both the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate to make E15 sales permanent year-round across the country.

EPA said on Friday that in the "absence of congressional action" that it is still considering issuing emergency fuel waivers to allow the year-round sale of E15.

"EPA is closely monitoring fuel market conditions and considering potential emergency fuel waivers under the Clean Air Act to prevent supply disruptions and protect consumers from price volatility," EPA said in a statement.

Read more on DTN:

"Ohio Seeks E15 Delay From Trump EPA," https://www.dtnpf.com/…

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

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