Cupertino: Aemetis, Inc. (NASDAQ: AMTX), a global renewable natural gas and biofuels company, announced that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved a waiver allowing the continued sale of E15 fuel—a gasoline blend containing 15% ethanol—beyond the traditional May 1st restriction. The decision is expected to increase demand for ethanol across the country and benefit producers like Aemetis.
In 2024, the average ethanol blend in U.S. gasoline stood at 10.4%, equating to 14.2 billion gallons of ethanol. The adoption of E15 could expand the market by up to 50%, significantly increasing the use of renewable fuel nationwide.
“This decision by the EPA is a significant move that will help grow the ethanol market,” said Eric McAfee, Chairman and CEO of Aemetis. “A permanent national approval of E15 would allow consumers to benefit from a lower-cost, domestic, renewable fuel while supporting rural economies with quality jobs.”
The EPA’s waiver applies nationwide, with the exception of California, and aims to ensure E15 availability throughout the summer driving season. The Renewable Fuels Association noted that E15 provides benefits such as reduced fuel costs, lower carbon emissions, stronger rural economies, and greater U.S. energy independence.
California remains the only state that has not yet approved the E15 blend. Governor Gavin Newsom recently called on the California Air Resources Board (CARB) to complete the necessary studies to support its adoption. A joint study by the University of California, Berkeley, and the U.S. Naval Academy found that E15 adoption in California could lead to more than 600 million gallons of new biofuels demand annually. Consumers could save around 20 cents per gallon—equivalent to $2.7 billion per year—while also benefiting from reduced greenhouse gas emissions and exposure to harmful chemicals in gasoline.
In support of broader E15 adoption, 14 U.S. senators have introduced Senate Bill 2707, the “Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act,” which seeks to permanently allow year-round E15 sales in most states. The EPA has confirmed that E15 is approved for use in over 95% of vehicles currently on American roads.
