Reaction to EPA Waiver regarding E15
Smith Statement on EPA Announcement on Year-Round E15 Access
Washington, D.C. – Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), a co-chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced it would provide a waiver to allow E15 sales this summer in eight midwestern states and expressed its support for the long-term success of year-round E15.
"The Trump administration’s continued support for the long-term success of year-round E15 is welcome news. There has never been a good reason to deny hardworking producers, retailers, and consumers the greater flexibility, choice, productivity, and certainty E15 brings to the U.S. fuel market. This is why my bill with Rep. Craig and Sen. Fischer to permanently authorize year-round E15 is the best way to deliver science-backed policy which is good for our economy and our environment. Our untapped domestic production potential should be reflected in a competitive RFS set and encouraged through timely guidance for relevant programs. I will continue fighting to maximize the benefit of biofuels as part of an all-of-the-above energy agenda."
BACKGROUND:
Congressman Smith first introduced a bill to approve year-round sale of E15 in 2015. On February 6, 2025, Smith and Rep. Angie Craig (D-MN) led nearly 30 colleagues in sending a bipartisan letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin. The letter emphasizes the important role of the American biofuels industry in maximizing energy abundance and affordability while encouraging the EPA to issue timely and science-driven guidance to fulfill the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).
On February 13, Smith introduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to enable the year-round, nationwide sale of E15. Read more about the bipartisan, bicameral legislation here.
Gov. Pillen Reacts to EPA Confirmation to Keep Date for Implementation of E15 Access
LINCOLN, NE – Reassuring news this week for Nebraska motorists and corn growers. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has confirmed its intent to uphold the current April 28, 2025 implementation date for year-round access to E15. Nebraska is among eight states that had long been fighting a summertime ban on the higher ethanol blend. Last year, the EPA issued its final rule, a significant win for Nebraska and other ethanol-producing states.
“Nebraska is in a leading position to reap the benefits of E-15, both from the production as well as the consumer side. This is a significant step forward in growing our state’s ag and biofuels economy,” said Gov. Pillen.
In a release from the EPA, Administrator Lee Zeldin stated: “Today’s decision underscores EPA’s commitment to consumer access to E15 while ensuring a smooth transition for fuel suppliers and refiners.”