EPA Approves Year-Round E15 Ethanol-Blend Gas Sales

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved the year-round sale of E-15. The EPA’s final rule is effective April 28, 2025 and applies to eight states, including Nebraska.The other states are Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin.E15 is a blend of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline. It contains five percent more ethanol than E10, which is currently the most common fuel used in the U.S. E15 is higher in octane, usually 88 octane, while E10 has an octane rating of 87. Originally, government regulations authorized the sale of E15 from September 15 to May 31 only. Summer sales of E15 were prohibited. Portions of the Clean Air Act ban the sale of certain fuels during the summer months to curb smog.The fight for year-round sales of E15 is a rare example of conservatives and environmentalists fighting for the same goals. In 2023, Jane Kleeb, Chair of the Nebraska Democratic Party, told FJN, “For years the Nebraska Congressional delegation and our Governors have failed to move forward on the basics of ensuring drivers can choose E15 year round. This saves drivers money, helps family farmers and takes market share away from Big Oil that has a history of price gouging.”“This decision is a win for agriculture, ethanol production and for Nebraska consumers,” said Governor Jim Pillen when approval was announced. “Ethanol is a vital part of our economy. We will continue to ensure consumers have a low-cost option at the pump. Today’s actions will result in real savings for Nebraska drivers while producing fewer carbon emissions.”Increase consumption of E15 could significantly impact corn farmers, since corn grain is used to make ethanol. Nebraska has the second largest ethanol nameplate capacity and the second largest ethanol operating production in the country, based on federal figures.The EPA is delaying implementation of the new rules until April 28 of next year. According to a statement form the EPA, this is, “due to concerns over insufficient fuel supply with an earlier effective date, consistent with statutory provisions.”

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