The National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) today praised a recent decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that advances the request of several Midwestern governors to allow their states to sell fuel with 15% ethanol blends year-round. EPA's decision now puts eight Midwestern states on the road toward allowing for year-round access to E15.
“Allowing consumers to access higher blends of ethanol year-round will play a critical role in helping the country meet the Biden administration’s ambitious climate goals,” said Minnesota farmer and NCGA President Harold Wolle. “We are very appreciative of the EPA for making this science-based and forward-looking decision.”
Because of outdated federal regulations, consumers have historically lost access to higher blends of ethanol during the summer months. In April 2022, eight Midwestern governors sent a letter to EPA Administrator Michael Regan asking him to provide a permanent fix to this issue by allowing retailers to sell higher blends of ethanol year-round in their states.
This week’s announcement by EPA, which was released as a proposed rule that will now advance to the Office of Management and Budget, has been eagerly awaited in the Corn Belt.