With rising tensions in the Middle East causing instability and unpredictability in global fuel markets, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is urging President Trump to swiftly remove regulatory obstacles that limit the broader use of E15, an American-made and more affordable gasoline blend.
In a letter addressed to the president, Geoff Cooper, RFA’s President and CEO, pointed out that the U.S. is currently holding record-high ethanol supplies while operating below full production capacity. He explained that artificial restrictions are blocking ethanol’s access to the domestic market. Eliminating these barriers and allowing E15 sales through existing infrastructure would help prevent sharp fuel price increases potentially linked to the ongoing Middle East conflicts.
“Right now, the United States has a seasonal record volume of ethanol in storage,” Cooper wrote. He also highlighted that the ethanol industry currently has about 130,000 barrels per day of unused production capacity. “At the same time, domestic grain supplies are plentiful, and farmers are expected to harvest a record corn crop this fall. Unfortunately, outdated regulations continue to restrict higher ethanol volumes and blends like E15 from reaching consumers. These unnecessary rules prevent Americans from benefiting fully from ethanol’s cost-saving potential. Your leadership can help lift these barriers quickly.”
In 2024, President Trump expressed support for allowing fuel stations to use their existing pumps to sell E15. Cooper echoed this position and recommended five key measures for the administration to take to help gas stations use their current equipment to offer E15 to consumers at a lower cost:
Remove the E15 Misfueling Mitigation Plan requirements.
Assume compatibility of all fuel dispensers, underground tanks, and hanging hardware installed since 1998 with E15, deeming existing equipment compliant with regulations.
Extend emergency fuel waivers through September 15, permitting E15 sales throughout the summer months.
Provide legal protections for retailers who follow EPA guidelines in storing and distributing E15 with current equipment.
Offer technical support to state and local officials to help them quickly adopt or update codes allowing E15 distribution through existing infrastructure.
Cooper concluded his appeal by saying, “Mr. President, now is the moment to unlock the full potential of American-made E15. The best way to prevent sudden gasoline price spikes across the country is to expand and diversify our domestic fuel supply, including ethanol produced by our farmers. Removing regulatory hurdles and permitting E15 to be stored and sold through existing infrastructure will reduce fuel costs for Americans and improve the market’s resilience against global supply disruptions.”
