Biden Announces E15 Summer Sales

A Tuesday announcement from the White House allows for summer sales of E15. The Environmental Protection Agency will issue a national emergency waiver allowing gasoline blended at the higher rate of fifteen percent ethanol from June 1 to September 15.

With the announcement planned for Tuesday in Iowa, the White House issued a fact sheet on the announcement Tuesday morning.

Patrick De Haan of Gas Buddy supports the move.

“I think it is a good move in that E15 is generally priced at a five to ten cent discount to what regular unleaded with ten percent ethanol is. So, it simply gives consumers that have been hit hard by rising gas prices and opportunity to save a few more cents a gallon by filling up with E15.”

De Haan adds E15 offers a price advantage to consumers.

“It is certainly renewable fuel that has been extensively tested. EPA says that vehicles 2001 and newer can use up to E15, up to 15% ethanol. And like I said there is a price advantage. The price of corn right now, the price of ethanol rather is lower than gasoline and so, generally, ethanol acts to reduce prices and it gives motorists another option. Those that want to opt for E15 generally can save five to ten cents a gallon over what regular unleaded is.”

The Biden Administration officials say the emergency use waiver covers twenty-day periods, will be issued closer to June 1 and will stay in place as long as gasoline prices remain inflated as caused by the war in Ukraine.