The Environmental Protection Agency is allowing the sale of higher-ethanol gasoline blends ahead of summer to ease rising fuel prices. [some emphasis, links added]
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said on Wednesday that the agency has issued emergency waivers to allow E15 gasoline sales, temporarily exempting the fuel from restrictions meant to limit smog.
E15 is a fuel that blends 15% ethanol with gasoline, compared with the more common E10 blend, which contains 10%. EPA’s waiver will take effect on May 1, allowing the fuel industry to transition to the fuel.
The move is part of an effort to provide relief at the gas pump for Americans, who are seeing gasoline prices rise because of the conflict with Iran.
“EPA is working with our federal partners to reduce unnecessary costs and uncertainty and ensure that gas prices remain affordable for all Americans through the summer,” Zeldin said. “This emergency action will provide American families with relief by increasing fuel supply and consumer choice.”
Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA has the authority to issue waivers for E15. The Trump administration has previously issued waivers of E15 fuel in 2025 ahead of the summer.
The Biden administration also issued several waivers before the summer season.
President Donald Trump campaigned on lowering energy costs for the public, but the war in Iran has pushed oil and gas prices higher ahead of the summer travel season. The national average gas price at the pump is about $3.98, versus $2.97 a month ago, according to AAA.
E15 gasoline is currently not sold year-round because of environmental concerns, as it can create more smog.
Top: Ethanol refinery surrounded by cornfields.
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