As Summer Travel Approaches, Davids Acts to Lower Gas Prices in Kansas

Today, Representative Sharice Davids urged the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take action to lower gas prices, requesting an emergency waiver to allow the sale of E15 – fuel blended with 10.5 to 15 percent ethanol – during the 2025 summer season in Kansas.

Ethanol, made from locally grown crops, is a more affordable alternative to unblended gasoline. This waiver, which has been granted multiple times in recent years, would help lower gas prices for Kansans, support local farmers, and strengthen domestic supply chains.

"Kansas farmers and producers work hard to supply homegrown energy that lowers costs for families at the gas pump," said Davids. "By allowing the sale of E15 this summer, the EPA can ensure Kansans benefit from lower gas prices while strengthening our economy and reducing reliance on foreign oil."

For multiple years, Davids has urged the EPA to guarantee the sale of 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. Davids previously visited East Kansas Agri-Energy (EKAE), a Garnett-based renewable ethanol producer, as part of her Farm Bill listening tour. EKAE has around 40 full-time employees and relies heavily on Kansas corn producers to supply the crops needed to make the biofuel.

"We sincerely thank Representative Sharice Davids for her leadership in urging the EPA to once again allow the sale of E15 this summer,” said Geoff Cooper, President and CEO, Renewable Fuels Association. “Ensuring continued access to E15 nationwide is critical for lowering fuel costs, supporting farmers, and providing consumers with a cleaner, more affordable fuel choice. Most importantly, we thank Rep. Davids for her continued support for a permanent solution to secure year-round E15 nationwide."

Previously, Davids has taken multiple actions to lower gas prices for Kansans by:

• Voting for the Year-Round Fuel Choice Act, which allow retailers the ability to sell higher ethanol-blended fuels year-round,
• Leading the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, a bipartisan, bicameral bill that expands access to lower-cost, homegrown fuel,
• 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 lowering energy costs for Kansas families,
• Pushing the President to suspend the federal gas tax, providing immediate relief to Kansans at the gas pump.

A full copy of Davids’ letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin can be found here.