Growth Energy, the largest biofuel trade association in the United States, recently celebrated the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to grant the request made by eight Midwestern states to sell E15 year-round. This ruling ensures that consumers in Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin will have continued access to E15, a fuel blend made of gasoline and 15% bioethanol.
E15 provides several benefits to both consumers and the environment. By allowing the use of E15 in all cars, trucks, and SUVs made in model year 2001 and newer, the EPA has expanded the market for this cleaner-burning and renewable fuel. E15 has been proven to reduce carbon emissions and lower fuel costs for drivers. In fact, last summer, drivers saved an average of 15 cents per gallon by filling up with E15 compared to regular gasoline.
Growth Energy's CEO, Emily Skor, expressed her appreciation for the EPA's finalized rule and thanked the eight Midwestern governors who played a pivotal role in securing year-round E15 availability for their states. She emphasized the positive impact this decision will have on residents, biofuel producers, and fuel retailers in the region. However, Skor also raised concerns about the potential disruptions in E15 availability during the upcoming summer season.
"While this is great news, drivers will need a solution for this summer to minimize disruptions and make sure they have the same access to E15 that they’ve had for the past five summers," Skor stated.
Growth Energy is committed to working with policymakers to ensure that consumers have permanent access to the benefits of E15 throughout the year. The organization advocates for policies that support the expansion of higher ethanol blends, such as E15, and the ongoing development of the renewable fuel industry. By promoting the use of biofuels like E15, Growth Energy aims to reduce carbon emissions, enhance energy independence, and support the rural economy.
