U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, in consultation with U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA), issued a temporary emergency fuel waiver to allow nationwide sales of E15, gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol, and to remove all federal impediments to selling E10, gasoline blended with 10 percent ethanol, across the country. Through the waiver, EPA is fortifying the domestic gasoline supply chain and providing Americans relief at the pumps ahead of the summer driving season. Beginning on May 1, 2026, EPA’s waivers will work to prevent disruption in America’s fuel supply by keeping E15 on the market and giving Americans more fuel options. EPA is issuing the waiver notice today to allow fuel industry stakeholders adequate time to transition the fuel distribution system. As required by the CAA, EPA and DOE evaluated the current situation and determined that granting the waiver was in the public interest.
US Senator Deb Fischer (R-NE) applauded the waiver while calling for a permanent solution.
“I thank EPA Administrator Zeldin and the Trump administration for issuing another emergency waiver for E15 to be sold year-round across the country. This will undoubtedly bring some short-term relief to our farmers and ranchers, and ease fuels costs on Americans,” said Fischer “The fact remains that this is not a long-term solution, and it is far past time for Congress to make this permanent. My Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailers Choice Act gets it done, and I am working to end the need for these emergency waivers and give consumers the year-round flexibility choice they deserve.”
Nebraska Congressman Adrian Smith also expressed his appreciation for the waiver, but also called for a permanent solution.
“I am grateful Administrator Zeldin has issued a summertime emergency fuel waiver to allow E15 to be sold year-round. Amidst supply chain uncertainty, it’s never been clearer that biofuels are a key pillar of American energy independence,” said Smith. “However, Congress must pass a permanent, nationwide solution. Right now, a handful of midsize refiners refuse to allow certainty for consumers, retailers, and agriculture producers in favor of their own interests. It is clear to any reasonable person that this status quo must end. I will continue to work with my colleagues to reach a reasonable solution that strengthens the entire fuel supply chain while expanding much-needed market access for America’s biofuels producers, lowering prices at the pump, and supporting President Trump in delivering energy independence.”
The emergency fuel waiver will temporarily waive the summer low volatility requirements and blending limitations for gasoline to provide additional flexibility to the fuel marketplace. This will increase fuel supply and provide a variety of gasoline fuel blends to choose from without changing environmental protections already in place. E15 is currently offered at over 3,000 gas stations nationwide, where it serves as a more affordable choice for Americans. Without this action, E15 gasoline cannot be used by roughly half of the country this summer. Additionally, EPA is also waiving federal enforcement of all state “boutique” fuel requirements for gasoline, allowing the production and distribution of gasoline with 9 to 15 percent ethanol content at a single common Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) standard of 10 psi across the nation. EPA’s actions will go into effect on May 1, 2026, for most states, and will initially remain in place through May 20, 2026. This 20-day window is the maximum number of days allowed under the CAA.
EPA will continue to monitor the fuel supply with industry and federal partners. The agency will be ready to extend the emergency fuel waivers as long as the fuel supply circumstances warrant such action. Key pillars of EPA’s Powering the Great American Comeback initiative are restoring American energy dominance and cooperative federalism. The agency looks forward to working with our state partners to ensure applicable state requirements are waived and that Americans are provided with the upmost benefits from the Trump administration’s actions.