Agriculture urges EPA for emergency E15 waiver

USAgNet - 03/27/2024

Agriculture and biofuels groups have united to urge the administration to grant an emergency waiver facilitating continued E15 sales. In a letter addressed to EPA Administrator Michael Regan, these organizations stressed the necessity of maintaining E15 availability amidst global fuel supply uncertainties.

Citing ongoing conflicts worldwide, including the prolonged situation in Ukraine and recent unrest in the Middle East, the groups highlighted risks to the United States' transportation energy supply. They emphasized the potential for disruptions to global energy markets and increased gasoline prices domestically due to attacks on shipping and volatility in the Red Sea region.

The letter, signed by prominent associations including the Renewable Fuels Association, Growth Energy, and the National Corn Growers Association, requests the EPA to enact the waiver effective May 1, 2024, ahead of the summer driving season. The groups argue that such action would help mitigate disruptions, stabilize gasoline prices, and enhance domestic energy security.

Pointing to past emergency waivers issued in 2022 and 2023, the organizations underscored the consumer cost savings associated with E15 sales, ranging from 10 to 30 cents per gallon on average. Additionally, they emphasized the broader benefits of continued access to E15, including its contribution to U.S. energy security and support for farmers and rural economies.

While acknowledging the EPA's recent rule permitting year-round E15 sales in eight Midwest states, slated to take effect in 2025, the groups stressed the immediate need for an emergency waiver to address current challenges in the global petroleum marketplace.

The joint effort from agriculture and biofuels groups underscores the importance of ensuring continued E15 sales to mitigate disruptions, stabilize prices, and bolster domestic energy security amidst ongoing global uncertainties.

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