The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made a special allowance for the sale of gasoline containing a higher percentage of ethanol across the entire country during the summer. This decision, announced on Monday, is being welcomed by fuel and farm advocates who believe it will benefit farmers, fuel makers, and drivers by offering more affordable options at the pump, reports South Dakota Searchlight.
Previously, some Midwestern states like Iowa and South Dakota already had permission to sell gasoline blended with 15% ethanol, known as E15, during the summer. The EPA’s latest action extends this permission to all other states, overriding the usual summer restrictions on this type of fuel. The move follows guidance from a national energy emergency declared in a presidential order issued in January.
According to a press release from the EPA, this change will “provide families with relief” by increasing the choices available at gas stations and potentially lowering the price per gallon of gasoline.
U.S. Representative Dusty Johnson, a Republican from South Dakota, expressed his support on social media, stating the decision “supports our producers, gives consumers more options at the pump, and bolsters our energy security.” Similarly, Senate Majority Leader John Thune, also a Republican from South Dakota, praised the move as “a positive step for South Dakota farmers and consumers.”
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig also lauded the decision, noting that drivers in Iowa saved over $38 million in 2024 by choosing E15 over E10, a gasoline blend with a lower percentage of ethanol.
“Today’s E15 announcement by the Trump Administration is a win for consumers across the U.S. and farmers here in Iowa,” Naig said in a statement. “This decision is a big step toward making our country more energy dominant, independent, and secure.”
Iowa Senators Joni Ernst and Chuck Grassley, both Republicans, also applauded the measure, highlighting it as an example of the president keeping his promises and a significant boost for corn farmers.
“It’s clear (President Trump) is making our farmers, producers, and all of rural America a priority, and I look forward to working alongside him to secure permanent, nationwide access to this cleaner, cheaper choice at the pump,” Ernst said.
The National Corn Growers Association estimates that allowing year-round sales of E15 nationwide could increase the demand for corn by more than 2 billion bushels annually, which is why the group has been pushing for greater ethanol use.
Brent Johnson, president of the Iowa Farm Bureau Federation, welcomed the EPA’s decision but pointed out that the agency has issued similar temporary waivers in the past. He urged for a permanent change to the regulations.
“Clearly, there is strong consumer demand for a lower-cost fuel option at the pump, and Iowa farmers stand by readily able to meet the growing demand for biofuels,” Johnson stated.
Secretary Naig echoed the need for a permanent rule allowing the sale of E15 year-round. He, along with Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and various industry groups, have sent letters to congressional leaders advocating for such legislation.
“We are tired of waiting,” said Monte Shaw, executive director of the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. “Consumers and retailers are tired of waiting. E15 could provide a market for 5 to 7 billion gallons of additional ethanol demand at a time when American farmers and rural communities are hurting.”
The current EPA waiver is in effect from May 1st through May 20th, as the Clean Air Act limits such waivers to 20 days. However, based on trends from previous summers, industry leaders anticipate that the waiver will likely be extended for the remainder of the summer months.
