In what has turned into an annual tradition, the Environmental Protection Agency approved the use of E15 nationwide this summer, ending any lingering suspense over whether the Trump administration would fail to grant an emergency fuel waiver.

Consumers will now have more options at the gas pump, the agency said in a news release. “This is consistent with President [Donald] Trump’s Executive Order Declaring a National Energy Emergency, directing the EPA to consider issuing emergency waivers to allow for year-round E15 sales.” 

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, who made the decision, said “President Trump’s commitment to farmers and the Renewable Fuel Standard has been a cornerstone to his leadership.”

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins also praised the decision. “Our nation’s great corn growers are critical to helping the U.S. achieve energy independence which is essential to national security,” she said in the same news release.

Legislation has been introduced in the House and Senate to allow gas blended with E15 to be used year-round. Thirty-nine members are supporting the House bill and 17 senators are backing the bill in that chamber.

A legislative provision to allow for year-round E15 sales was stripped from a year-end spending bill in December along with a number of other unrelated provisions. 

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Reacting to EPA's action Monday, Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said in a statement, “We’re grateful to President Trump and EPA Administrator Zeldin for moving quickly to lift a needless barrier standing between the American people and lower-cost E15. This outcome is also thanks to [Ag] Secretary Rollins’ support for year-round E15 and homegrown fuels, and the governors, senators, and representatives in both parties whose advocacy for American drivers and farmers helped make this happen.” 

Joshua Shields, biofuels producer POET’s senior vice president of corporate affairs, said the company was “grateful to President Trump for continuing access to affordable, American-made fuel. Now it’s time to find a permanent legislative solution guaranteeing all Americans access to year-round E15.”

The Renewable Fuels Association also applauded the decision.

“With geopolitical conflict roiling energy markets worldwide, we applaud President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for acting quickly to combat potential fuel shortages and help keep a lid on gas prices this summer," RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said.

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