MADELIA, Minn. – The U.S. EPA recently approved the sale of year-round, 15-percent ethanol (E15) starting next summer, a move a coalition of eight Midwest governors initially requested nearly two years ago.

While the EPA has granted waivers over the last few years to allow drivers continued access to E15, the sale of E15 has been banned during the summer months to meet federal clean air standards the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) said have been shown to be unnecessary and outdated.

“We are glad to hear this decision from the EPA, as it puts us on the road to providing more certainty to America’s corn growers and consumers who will save money at the pump,” said Harold Wolle, NCGA president, and Madelia farmer.

“However, given that this decision will not take effect until the summer of 2025, we question and are concerned about the implications of the timeline for growers and consumers this summer.”

The rule will apply in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, since these states produce most of the U.S. corn crop and ethanol.

The EPA said it delayed implementing the new rule out of concerns there wouldn’t be enough supply to meet demand this summer.

The NCGA said most gasoline sold across the country is blended with 10-percent ethanol, although 15-percent blends are becoming increasingly common, especially in the Midwest.

Paige Anderson, National Association of Convenience Stores director of government relations, said while it supports giving retailers the freedom to sell E15 year-round, it is concerned the measure will stifle fuel supplies.

 “We are pleased that the EPA did include a delay in implementation to 2025 to give time for Congress to pass much-needed legislation to permanently allow for the year-round sale of E15 for fuel retailers who choose to sell E15,” she said.

“Unfortunately, the EPA’s decision to approve these petitions (of the eight governors) will balkanize (break up into smaller units) the fuel supply chain by forcing refiners to make special ‘boutique’ gasoline for these eight states, which will lead to tight fuel supplies, and higher costs for consumers,” she added.

Wolle said, “While we are pleased with today’s decision (Feb. 22), we still need a law that codifies access to higher levels of ethanol, and that eliminates the patchwork of state regulations on the issue.

“That is why we are pushing for the passage of the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (of 2023) in the Senate to solve this issue once and for all.”

The Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023 amends the Clean Air Act to address the limitations on Reid Vapor Pressure – which is a measure of gasoline’s volatility – that are placed on gasoline during the summer ‘ozone’ season.

Geoff Cooper, Renewable Fuels Association president and CEO, said, “While we are pleased to see the EPA has finally approved year-round E15 in these eight states, we are extremely disappointed by the agency’s needless decision to delay implementation until 2025.

“Why should ethanol producers, farmers, fuel retailers, and consumers in these states be penalized for the EPA’s foot-dragging and failure to meet a clear deadline?” he said.

“With the 2024 summer driving season just a few months away, we are urging the administration to take additional action that will ensure consumers have uninterrupted access to lower-cost, lower-carbon E15 this summer,” he added.

Brian Duncan, Illinois Farm Bureau president, and Polo, Ill., farmer, told Farm World, “The EPA has stated that the delay in implementing year-round E-15 sales is due to concerns over insufficient fuel supply. While we wish this decision would have been made sooner, it is overall great news for Illinois farmers and ethanol producers.

“Illinois Farm Bureau continues to work with our state and federal lawmakers to show bipartisan support as we grow our ethanol market,” he added.