The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced it will temporarily permit the widespread sale of E15, a higher ethanol gas blend, in an effort to reduce consumer fuel prices that have risen sharply since the Iran war began. The sale of E15 is typically restricted during summer months due to concerns over harmful air pollution.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins stated that the move supports President Trump's goal of American energy dominance and will directly lower prices at the pump while boosting demand for domestic biofuels. The summer waiver for E15 has become common in recent years, with bipartisan support for making it permanent year-round. Some states already allow it.
However, experts question the effectiveness of the measure. Kenneth Gillingham, a professor at the Yale School of the Environment, noted that E15 is not available in all states and lacks necessary infrastructure or ethanol supply in many areas. He also warned that higher ethanol levels can corrode engines, particularly in older cars, boats, and all-terrain vehicles.
Jason Hill, a professor at the University of Minnesota, highlighted that increased corn use for ethanol reduces availability for animal feed, potentially raising grocery costs. He argued that the policy may primarily benefit farmers facing high diesel and fertiliser prices due to the Iran war, rather than consumers overall.
Gillingham added that the waiver could worsen summer ozone pollution, leading to increased health risks such as heart attacks and respiratory issues. The EPA's decision follows repeated emergency waivers granted to Kansas Representative Sharice Davids and calls from Senator Amy Klobuchar for immediate action to curb fuel costs.
