The Biden administration has agreed to permanently lift the ban on summertime sales of higher-ethanol gasoline blends in eight states starting in 2025. This decision was made in response to a request from Midwestern governors who have been advocating for year-round sales of the corn-based fuel.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has made a decision in response to the concerns raised by several governors in the Midwest. These governors, representing states such as Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Kansas, North Dakota, and South Dakota, have written to President Joe Biden, highlighting the economic repercussions and limited environmental advantages of the summertime prohibition on E15, a gasoline blend containing ethanol. Notably, Minnesota and Wisconsin hold significance as swing states in the upcoming presidential election.
Ethanol, derived from corn and other crops, has been blended into certain gasoline types for several years to decrease dependence on oil. Although this blend emits fewer greenhouse gases when combusted compared to pure gasoline, it can contribute to smog formation during warmer seasons. As a result, the sale of this fuel has been prohibited during summertime since 2011.
Agriculture groups and state lawmakers have been advocating for the removal of the ban, citing various reasons. On the other hand, environmental organizations have emphasized the significance of maintaining the ban. Additionally, oil producers and refineries have also expressed their support for the ban, as they believe that the consumption of gasoline could be affected by the presence of ethanol.
Both Democratic and Republican administrations have granted one-time waivers to permit the sale of E15 during the summer. In 2022, President Biden allowed these sales, following the example set by former President Donald Trump in 2019.
The EPA initially mandated that the eight states prove that lifting the summertime ban would not lead to an escalation in smog levels.
According to an EPA spokesperson, the assessments have determined that lifting the summertime ban would result in a slight decrease in certain emissions that contribute to smog.
According to Nick Conger, a spokesperson for the agency, the impact on emissions from this change is relatively minor.
Sen. Amy Klobuchar, a Democrat from Minnesota, commended the decision and expressed her support for the use of higher ethanol blends in gasoline. She emphasized the benefits of this practice for farmers, the economy, and national security. Klobuchar also pledged to further promote the widespread adoption of sustainable fuels throughout the country.
The change was also welcomed by the ethanol industry, although there were some complaints about the implementation being delayed until 2025 instead of this summer, as requested by the governors.
Geoff Cooper, president of the Renewable Fuels Association, expressed his dissatisfaction with the EPA’s delay in meeting a set deadline, questioning why ethanol producers, farmers, fuel retailers, and consumers in these states should be penalized for this foot-dragging. The Renewable Fuels Association advocates for ethanol producers in Washington.
Oil companies have also voiced their criticism of the decision. Will Hupman, a vice president at the American Petroleum Institute, which represents oil companies, expressed concern that this incremental approach may undermine the resilience of the region’s fuel supply chain.
Oil refiners must incorporate ethanol into gasoline as per two laws enacted in 2005 and 2007. These laws aim to diminish the consumption of oil and the related greenhouse gas emissions. However, the mandate has faced backlash, with critics arguing that it has led to higher fuel costs and has had minimal impact in curbing greenhouse gas emissions responsible for global warming.
