The EPA is again allowing summer sales of higher ethanol gasoline blend, citing global conflicts

ST. PAUL, Minn. (KFGO) – Ethanol advocates are cheering news that the EPA will allow the sale of E-15 fuel during this summer’s driving season. 

Brian Werner of the Minnesota Biofuels Association says he was hoping regulators would issue an emergency waiver.

“This is really welcomed news for Minnesota’s biofuel industry and also just a victory for our state’s economy and environment,” Werner says. “Unleaded 88 reduces air emissions, it lowers prices at the pump and it sustains rural jobs and agricultural markets.” 

Werner says a 1990 federal rule prohibits sales of 15 percent ethanol fuel from June through mid-September. 

Minnesota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, Iowa, Nebraska, Illinois, Missouri, and Ohio will be able to sell E-15 year-round permanently next year.