Biofuels Industry Reacts Positively to E15 Waiver, Calls for Year-Round E15 Bill

In an expected move from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), the organization announced Friday afternoon it was allowing the April 28, 2025 implementation date to provide parity for E15 and E10 in Midwestern states. This action, requested by the governors of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, provides regulatory certainty for fuel suppliers and expands consumer access to E15 year-round in these states.

This confirmation comes amidst renewed efforts in Washington D.C. to push for a bill enacting nationwide year-long E15 usage. Bipartisan legislation in the Senate was introduced on Feb. 13, and the House introduced a companion bill on the same day with bipartisan support. EPA said it is still considering issuing emergency fuel waivers to allow nationwide year-round E15 sales while the bills work their way through Congress.

“Today’s decision underscores EPA’s commitment to consumer access to E15 while ensuring a smooth transition for fuel suppliers and refiners,” EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin said in a release. “Our approach provides certainty for states that are ready to move forward with year-round E15 while accommodating those that requested additional time. We will continue working with all stakeholders to ensure an available and affordable fuel supply.”

In addition, the EPA said it would consider state requests for a delay in reaching compliance — with Ohio having already made a request. Requests are due to the EPA in writing by Wednesday. 

The renewable fuels industry reacted positively to the news, as did a sitting U.S. Senator.

Sen. Deb Fischer

Nebraska Republican Sen. Deb Fischer is part of the bipartisan group of legislators that introduced the yearlong E15 bill into the senate alongside Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill) and others. Fischer is on the Senate Ag Committee.

“I’m glad President Trump is taking further action to ensure E15 is available year-round,” Fischer’s statement said. “As EPA Administrator Zeldin noted, my bipartisan, bicameral legislation with Senator Duckworth, Congressman Smith, and Congresswoman Craig is the only permanent solution. It’s past time for Congress to act and carry out President Trump’s energy agenda.”

Growth Energy

Growth Energy is the largest biofuels trade association in the U.S. The organization’s members make low-carbon fuels, high-protein animal feed, and supply plant-based ingredients for everything from bioplastics to safer cleaning products.

“We applaud EPA for their support of E15 and for working to find a solution that allows each of the eight opt-out states to determine how to handle their own unique fuel market,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We appreciate the leadership of the midwestern governors who initiated the effort to secure permanent access to E15 in their states. 

“At the same time, this announcement only further illustrates the need for a nationwide legislative fix for year-round E15. Now that we have bipartisan bills introduced in both the House and the Senate, it’s time for Congress to take action to resolve this issue once and for all, and to finally make year-round E15 the law of the land. We look forward to working with Congress and the White House to deliver economic benefits to consumers and rural communities by expanding access to American ethanol.”

Renewable Fuels Association

Founded in 1981, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) is one of the leading trade organizations in the U.S. for ethanol producers.

“We thank President Trump for directing his agencies to monitor fuel market conditions and issue emergency waivers for E15 this summer if necessary,” RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper said. “At the same time, we renew our call on Congress to adopt legislation as quickly as possible that permanently allows year-round sales of lower-cost E15. Passing a bill would provide the market with long-term certainty and stability and make emergency waivers unnecessary.”

Iowa Renewable Fuels Association

The Iowa Renewable Fuels Association (IRFA) represents the state’s liquid renewable fuels industry and its 42 ethanol refineries as well as 10 biodiesel facilities.

“Even as we continue to work on a preferable, nationwide solution, today’s EPA announcement means that retailers in the Midwest know they will not have to bag pumps, consumers know they will not have to pay 15-20 cents more per gallon, and farmers know a key growth opportunity for corn demand will not disappear,” IRFA Executive Director Monte Shaw said. “IRFA is deeply grateful to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for standing by farmers and consumers to ensure access to E15 this summer.

“But as Administrator Zeldin noted, work is ongoing in Congress for a nationwide solution that would be easier for oil refiners to implement. IRFA’s top goal is to ensure E15 access remains as a year-round fuel option, but we also stand ready to work with President Trump, Zeldin and the refiners to find the easiest route to that end. Congress can make nationwide E15 happen in the next spending bill in March. There is no reason to delay.

“This all started with Iowa Governor Kim Reynold’s leadership, supported by Iowa Attorney General Brenna Bird and the entire Iowa delegation. We cannot thank them enough. Let’s all work together to get this done.”

POET

POET is a South Dakota-based biofuels and bioproducts producer which operates 34 bioprocessing facilities across eight states and employs more than 2,400 team members. 

“President Trump deserves our thanks for once again keeping his commitment to America’s farmers by making year-round E15 a top priority, and Administrator Zeldin deserves credit for respecting state’s rights and keeping the federal government from blocking the path to E15 and lower gas prices this summer,” said Jeff Broin, POET founder and CEO. “It’s past time for Congress to pass the permanent E15 fix President Trump has long championed.”