According to today's USDA Grain Transportation Report, through June 10, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has extended an earlier waiver to allow E15 gasoline (a 15% ethanol blend) to continue to be sold this summer.
EPA intended the waiver to reduce soaring gasoline prices resulting from the supply uncertainty spawned by Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
EPA also issued the waiver to encourage U.S. energy independence and support American agriculture.
EPA’s decision to extend the waiver follows an open letter to EPA from the Governors of Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, and South Dakota requesting that summer sales of E15 gasoline be allowed in the marketplace.
According to EPA, the E15 blend is about 25 cents per gallon cheaper than E10 and is not expected to significantly affect air quality.