EPA’s move expected to lower gas costs heading into summer

The Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency waiver to allow E15 gasoline to be sold during summer. It said the war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East are leading to less supply and higher prices.

E15 gas is blended with 15% ethanol and is about $0.25 a gallon cheaper than E10, according to the EPA.

Several lawmakers, including Rep. Sharice Davids (Kan.-D) said they asked for the waiver.

“Because ethanol is produced domestically from local products and at a cheaper rate than unblended, unleaded gasoline, this action will lower the cost of gas for Kansans, support local agriculture professionals, and improve domestic supply chains,” according to a statement from Davids’ office.

Cosponsoring bipartisan legislation that would make the year-round sale of this fuel permanent nationwide.

Voting for the Year-Round Fuel Choice Act, which allow retailers the ability to sell higher ethanol-blended fuels year-round,

Helping to pass legislation that promotes sustainable aviation fuel, a liquid fuel that achieves significant emissions reduction compared to fossil-based jet fuel,

Supporting legislation that expands biofuels infrastructure, opening up new market opportunities for sustainable fuel sources and lower energy costs for Kansas families,

Pushing the President to suspend the federal gas tax, providing immediate relief to Kansans at the gas pump.

The EPA credits the Clean Air Act for approving the waiver.

“Allowing E15 sales during the summer driving season will increase fuel supply, while supporting American farmers, strengthening our nation’s energy security, and providing relief to drivers across the country,” Michael S. Regan, EPA Administrator, said.

According to the EPA, E15 can’t be sold at terminal operators on May 1 and retail gas pumps starting June 1, in about two-thirds of the country, because of air quality issues.

The agency said it doesn’t expect any increased air quality issues by issuing the emergency waiver because it will only be in place for 20 days.

EPA’s emergency fuel waiver will go into effect on May 1 and will last through May 20, which is the maximum time allowed for the waiver.

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The EPA will continue to monitor the supply with industry and federal partners, and the Agency expects to issue new waivers effectively extending the emergency fuel waiver until such time as the extreme and unusual fuel supply circumstances due to the ongoing war in Ukraine and conflict in the Middle East are no longer an issue.