Temporary fuel waiver expands ethanol-blended gasoline availability, boosts biofuels demand, and supports American farmers
Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a temporary emergency fuel waiver that will allow the nationwide sale of E15, gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol, and remove all federal impediments to selling E10, gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol, across the country.
The action is designed to strengthen the domestic gasoline supply chain and provide Americans with relief at the pump ahead of the summer driving season. Beginning May 1, 2026, the waiver will keep E15 available nationwide, helping prevent fuel supply disruptions while expanding consumer choice.
EPA said it issued the waiver early to give fuel industry stakeholders adequate time to transition the fuel distribution system. As required under the Clean Air Act, the agency evaluated current market conditions alongside the U.S. Department of Energy and determined the waiver was in the public interest.
“EPA is working with our federal partners to reduce unnecessary costs and uncertainty and ensure that gas prices remain affordable for all Americans through the summer. This emergency action will provide American families with relief by increasing fuel supply and consumer choice,” said EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin.
The emergency fuel waiver temporarily waives summer low volatility fuel requirements and blending limitations for gasoline. EPA emphasized that the action provides added flexibility to the fuel marketplace without changing existing environmental protections. The move is expected to increase overall fuel supply and offer a wider range of gasoline blends for consumers.
Currently, E15 is sold at more than 3,000 fuel stations nationwide, where it is often priced below conventional gasoline. Without the emergency action, E15 would be unavailable in roughly half of the country during the summer months because of Reid Vapor Pressure restrictions.
In addition to the E15 waiver, EPA is also waiving federal enforcement of state “boutique” fuel requirements. This will allow gasoline with ethanol content ranging from 9 to 15 percent to be produced and sold nationwide under a single common Reid Vapor Pressure standard of 10 psi. EPA said this standardization will help improve fuel distribution efficiency and further stabilize supply.
“Today’s action will directly lower prices at the pump and gives a clear demand signal to our domestic biofuels producers. Allowing the summer sale of E-15 will provide drivers more options at the pump, and deliver a bigger domestic market for American farmers,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins.
However, Secretary Rollins stressed that more work remains. “While today’s announcement is great news for farmers, year-round E-15 is essential for the farm economy, and Congress needs to find a common sense solution that provides much needed certainty to consumers and farmers.”
The emergency waivers will go into effect May 1, 2026, for most states and initially remain in place through May 20, 2026. The 20-day duration represents the maximum length allowed under the Clean Air Act. EPA said it will continue monitoring fuel supply conditions and remains prepared to extend the waivers if circumstances warrant additional action.
Corn growers applauded the move, noting it removes an outdated regulatory barrier that has prevented drivers from using E15 during the summer months. The higher ethanol blend was approved in 2011 for use in approximately 98 percent of passenger vehicles currently on the road.
In a media release, Kansas Corn Growers Association (KCGA) CEO Josh Roe said the emergency waiver is welcome but does not replace the need for a permanent solution.
“We appreciate that the Administration was able to provide this vital backstop to allow our retailers to offer E15 due to Congressional inaction,” said Roe. “While this is a relief for our fuel retailers that have invested in offering E15, an emergency action does not provide the needed certainty to recruit additional stations to add E15 as an option for their customers.”
Roe added that KCGA will continue pressing lawmakers to act. “KCGA will remain laser focused in holding Congress accountable to provide this relief and will continue to engage with Governor Kelly to provide long-term E15 certainty in Kansas.”
EPA says the waiver aligns with its broader goals of reducing reliance on imported fuels, lowering energy costs, and strengthening U.S. energy independence through what it calls commonsense rulemaking and reduced regulatory burden.
The agency also emphasized its commitment to working closely with state partners to ensure applicable state fuel requirements are waived so consumers can receive maximum benefit from the action.
Looking ahead, EPA said it will continue to coordinate with fuel suppliers, state leaders, and federal partners to ensure adequate fuel availability throughout the summer. The agency noted that restoring American energy dominance and reinforcing cooperative federalism remain key pillars of its Powering the Great American Comeback initiative.
For farmers and biofuel producers, the waiver represents an important, though temporary, boost to ethanol demand as calls continue to grow for year-round access to higher ethanol blends nationwide.