Year-Round Use of High-Ethanol Gasoline Approved by EPA
(The Hill) – The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said Monday it will allow gasoline containing a higher percentage of ethanol to be used year-round.
The move follows President Trump’s energy emergency declaration, which required the EPA to consider allowing year-round high ethanol gas, known as E15.
What is E15 Gasoline?
This type of gasoline is typically restricted in the summer due to concerns about smog — which can form more easily from evaporation in the heat.
However, the government can choose to issue a waiver to allow E15 gas nationwide in the summer.
Benefits of E15 Gasoline
“This move to allow the summer sale of E-15 will provide immediate relief to consumers, provide more choices at the pump, and drive demand for corn grown, processed, and used right here in America,” Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said in a statement, thanking the EPA for its decision.
Current Gasoline Prices
As of Monday, the nationwide average price for gasoline was a relatively low $3.15, down about 50 cents from this time last year.
History of E15 Gasoline
During its tenure, the Biden administration also allowed E15 to be sold in the summer during 2022, 2023 and 2024 — as it faced high gasoline prices, particularly in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Composition of Gasoline
Gasoline is primarily made from oil, but is blended with other components including ethanol. E15 is 15 percent ethanol, while typical summer gasoline is 10 percent ethanol.
Agricultural interests have generally supported allowing for high-ethanol gas to be used year-round because it creates more demand for corn.
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Conclusion
The EPA’s decision to allow the year-round use of high-ethanol gasoline is expected to provide relief to consumers and drive demand for corn. With the current nationwide average price for gasoline at a relatively low $3.15, this move is seen as a positive step towards reducing prices and promoting the use of alternative fuels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is E15 gasoline?
A: E15 gasoline is a type of gasoline that contains 15% ethanol, compared to the typical summer gasoline which contains 10% ethanol.
Q: Why is E15 gasoline restricted in the summer?
A: E15 gasoline is restricted in the summer due to concerns about smog, which can form more easily from evaporation in the heat.
Q: What are the benefits of E15 gasoline?
A: The benefits of E15 gasoline include providing immediate relief to consumers, providing more choices at the pump, and driving demand for corn grown, processed, and used in America.
Q: How will the EPA’s decision affect gasoline prices?
A: The EPA’s decision to allow the year-round use of high-ethanol gasoline is expected to help reduce gasoline prices and provide relief to consumers.
Q: What is the current nationwide average price for gasoline?
A: As of Monday, the nationwide average price for gasoline was a relatively low $3.15, down about 50 cents from this time last year.
