WASHINGTON, D.C. (RFD NEWS) — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is moving to expand fuel options nationwide, issuing an emergency waiver that allows the sale of E15 gasoline across the country ahead of the summer driving season.
EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy and under the Clean Air Act, approved the temporary measure to help stabilize fuel supplies and reduce costs for consumers. The waiver permits nationwide sales of E15—gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol—and removes federal barriers for E10 fuel distribution. The action is set to take effect May 1, 2026, giving fuel suppliers time to adjust distribution systems.
“EPA is working with our federal partners to reduce unnecessary costs and uncertainty and ensure that gas prices remain affordable for all Americans through the summer,” Zeldin said. “This emergency action will provide American families with relief by increasing fuel supply and consumer choice.”
The decision comes as demand typically rises ahead of the summer travel season. Without the waiver, E15 sales are restricted in many parts of the country due to seasonal fuel regulations.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins praised the move, highlighting its benefits for both consumers and farmers: “President Trump is unleashing American Energy Dominance, and today’s action will directly lower prices at the pump and gives a clear demand signal to our domestic biofuels producers,” Rollins said. “Allowing the summer sale of E-15 will provide drivers more options at the pump, and deliver a bigger domestic market for American farmers.”
Rollins added that while the announcement is positive for agriculture, a long-term solution is still needed.
“While today’s announcement is great news for farmers, year-round E-15 is essential for the farm economy, and Congress needs to find a common-sense solution that provides much-needed certainty to consumers and farmers,” Rollins said.
The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) today welcomed a decision by President Trump’s Environmental Protection Agency allowing uninterrupted sales of lower-cost E15 this summer. At a time of rising gasoline prices, year-round sales of E15 will help American drivers save money at the pump, strengthen the rural economy, and boost energy independence.
“During a time of highly volatile fuel prices and instability in global crude oil markets, President Trump and Administrator Zeldin understand that year-round E15 is a solution that can extend domestic fuel supplies and reduce pump prices for hardworking American families,” said RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper. “With geopolitical conflict roiling energy markets worldwide, we applaud President Trump and Administrator Zeldin for acting quickly and decisively to combat potential fuel shortages and help keep a lid on gas prices this summer. Today’s action will allow maximum flexibility and fuel fungibility in the marketplace, which is exactly what the supply chain needs right now. We also appreciate the efforts of USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, several Midwest governors, and the many ethanol supporters in Congress who worked together to promote continued access to E15.”\
Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig also released a statement praising the move, but raised concerns about the temporary nature of the measure.
“I appreciate the Trump Administration allowing the nationwide sale of E15 this summer. This is a win for farmers, drivers, and homegrown American energy. I also want to thank Iowa’s congressional delegation for continuing to push for year-round E15,” Naig said. “But to be clear, our farmers and consumers shouldn’t have to rely on short-term emergency waivers every year. Congress has had multiple chances to provide farmers, biofuel producers, and fuel retailers with the long-term certainty they need by fixing this issue permanently, and they have failed to get it done. It’s long overdue for Congress to finally pass a permanent nationwide fix for year-round E15, which will save Americans money at the pump, support a critical market for farmers, and boost American energy independence.”
In addition to expanding E15 access, EPA is temporarily waiving enforcement of certain state-level “boutique” fuel requirements. This allows for a more uniform gasoline blend nationwide, simplifying distribution and increasing available supply.
The waiver will initially remain in place through May 20, the maximum 20-day period allowed under federal law, though officials say it could be extended if needed.
EPA says the move is part of a broader effort to strengthen domestic energy production, reduce reliance on imports, and support American agriculture—particularly corn growers who supply ethanol for fuel blends. Currently, E15 is sold at more than 3,000 stations nationwide and is often priced lower than traditional gasoline, offering a more affordable option for drivers. However, the higher ethanol blend does not travel as far as traditional gasoline.
Officials say they will continue monitoring fuel markets and are prepared to take additional action if supply conditions warrant.
