Published

EPA Ordered to Waive U.S. Curbs on E15 Ethanol Fuel

As expected, President Donald Trump has eased restrictions on selling gasoline that contains 15% corn-based ethanol, a move championed by Midwest farm states.
#regulations

Share

As expected, President Donald Trump has eased restrictions on selling gasoline that contains 15% corn-based ethanol, a move championed by Midwest farm states.

Energy companies in the U.S. already sell E10, a 10% ethanol blend, year-round. Until now, EPA has prohibited the sale of E15 during the summer, because its higher evaporation rate under hot conditions can contribute to air pollution.

Trump told reporters on Tuesday that the move will help lower fuel prices, while granting relief to farmers hit by shrinking foreign markets caused by the U.S. trade war with China. But experts say the new policy won’t have an immediate effect.

They note that it will take months for EPA’s rulemaking process to grant a waiver for E15. But it isn’t clear whether EPA can make the change at all without approval by Congress.

RELATED CONTENT

Gardner Business Media - Strategic Business Solutions