EPA Grants Davids’ Request, Issues Emergency Fuel Waiver to Lower Gas Prices

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) fulfilled Representative Sharice Davids’ request by issuing a national emergency fuel waiver to allow the sale of E15 – a fuel blended with 10.5 to 15 percent ethanol – during the 2024 summer season in Kansas. 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.

“I am glad the EPA answered my call today to provide relief for Kansans at the gas pump,” said Davids. “While Kansans continue to deal with high costs, this emergency waiver will lower gas prices, while also supporting local agricultural producers and reducing our country’s dependence on foreign oil supply. As I said last year, this is the right move in the short-term, but I’ll continue focusing on lowering costs in the long-term as well.”

For multiple years, Davids has urged the EPA — and sponsored federal legislation — to guarantee the sale of this E15 not only during the summer but also year-round. This would reduce our reliance on foreign oil, build U.S. energy security, and support Kansas agriculture and manufacturing.

Last year, Davids visited East Kansas Agri-Energy (EKAE), a Garnett-based renewable ethanol producer, as part of her Farm Bill listening tour. EKAE, which received federal funding to assist with business operations during the COVID-19 pandemic, has around 40 full-time employees and relies heavily on Kansas corn producers to supply the crops needed to make the biofuel.

Davids has taken additional actions to lower gas prices for Kansans by:

• 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.