On February 21, 2025, the EPA announced it will allow the year-round sale of higher ethylene E15 fuel. The biofuel industry, corn growers, and lawmakers from the Midwest have requested annual sales of this type of fuel for many years.

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“E15 is a blend of 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline,” states the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association. “It contains 5% more ethanol than E10, which is the most common fuel used in the U.S. E15 is higher in octane – typically 88 octane while E10 has an octane rating of 87. Retailers are offering E15 as Unleaded 88 to highlight its high-octane value.”

Regulations approving annual sales of E15 were set in motion during the previous administration.

EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said the Agency will uphold the current April 28, 2025, implementation date to provide parity for E15 and E10 in Midwestern states.

“This action, requested by the governors of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin, provides regulatory certainty for fuel suppliers and expands consumer access to E15 year-round in these states,” according to an EPA news release.

“Today’s decision underscores EPA’s commitment to consumer access to E15 while ensuring a smooth transition for fuel suppliers and refiners,” Zeldin said in the Agency’s release. “Our approach provides certainty for states that are ready to move forward with year-round E15 while accommodating those that requested additional time. We will continue working with all stakeholders to ensure available and affordable fuel supply.”

On February 13, 2025, a bipartisan bill was reintroduced to the Senate that would allow the sale of E15 nationwide year-round.

“Senator Deb Fischer, a Republican from Nebraska, introduced the bill with senators including Tammy Duckworth, a Democrat from Illinois, and said it would do away with patchwork regulations that would have … E15, only available in certain areas of the U.S.,” Reuters says.

At the same time, recognizing concerns raised by some regarding fuel supply transitions, the EPA says it intends to consider granting requests for a 1-year delay for states seeking additional time for compliance, such as the one made by the state of Ohio.

The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is pleased with the EPA announcement and supports a Congressional approval of year-round sales.

But the association sees Ohio’s request to pull its E15 petition as a troubling sign, underscoring the urgency of securing a federal legislative solution as soon as possible.

“A state-by-state approach would not be necessary if Congress passed the nationwide, year-round E15 legislation,” states an RFA news release.

The EPA urged any state requesting a 1-year delay to inform the Agency in writing by February 26, 2025.

“While the legislative solution is strongly preferred by all, we were also encouraged to see EPA is considering issuing emergency waivers to allow the uninterrupted sale of E15 nationwide this summer if Congress fails to act. Let’s hope that won’t be necessary,” RFA President Geoff Cooper said in the news release.

“EPA intends to consider any additional states’ request submitted by February 26 and aims to provide refiners and fuel suppliers with the final opportunity to make necessary adjustments to ensure the long-term success of year-round E15,” the EPA’s release continues. “A legislative solution before the summer driving season to allow for the permanent, year-round sale of E15 nationwide is an option being negotiated in Congress. In the absence of congressional action, EPA is still considering issuing emergency fuel waivers to allow the year-round sale of E15. EPA is closely monitoring fuel market conditions and considering potential emergency fuel waivers under the Clean Air Act to prevent supply disruptions and protect consumers from price volatility.”