Today, EPA announced a decision to utilize its authority to allow consumers to maintain access to E15 throughout the 2024 summer driving season. This regulatory waiver has been a priority for Kentucky Corn, initially as an emergency ruling, but also as permanent law. We participated in a letter to EPA in March of this year about this issue. You can view the letter here.
“We appreciate EPA’s swift movement to provide retailers and consumers more certainty at the pump,” said Josh Lancaster, a farmer from Webster County and president of the Kentucky Corn Growers Association.
The decision comes as concerns over high gas prices and energy security remain amplified by the ongoing war in Ukraine, disruptions in trade routes, and inflation. Ethanol blends, like E15 or its marketing term “Unleaded88” are acknowledged for their ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease fuel costs.
The regulatory waiver benefits rural America by bolstering economies in farming communities and consumers by providing savings at the pump, particularly during peak travel periods. But, a permanent solution to the outdated, unnecessary Reid Vapor Pressure rule that restricts year-round marketing of blends above E10 is still necessary.
“We will continue efforts for permanent, year-round access to E15 through federal legislation,” said Lancaster. “And we’ll remain engaged with our elected officials, and collaborate with other state corn associations, NCGA, and various petroleum industry partners for this effort.”