Environmental Protection Agency helps cut QC gas costs

Michael Frachalla
·2 min read
Environmental Protection Agency helps cut QC gas costs

Fighting in the Middle East and the war in Ukraine is bringing instability in the oil market heading into summer. The Environmental Protection Agency, (EPA), took action to make a more affordable gasoline blend available.

A motorist pumps gasoline at a Mobil gas station following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in West Hollywood, Calif., Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)
A motorist pumps gasoline at a Mobil gas station following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in West Hollywood, Calif., Friday, Feb. 25, 2022. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

The EPA issued an emergency fuel waiver on April 19 to allow the sale of E15 gasoline this summer. Typically, E15 isn’t allowed to be sold after June 1 in most of the country. The U.S. Government delayed allowing year-round sales of the blend to 2025. It’s something members of Congress from Iowa and Illinois have been pushing for years to happen. Iowa Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks is among them.

“I’ve got several bills on year-round E15. These bills are to make it voluntary. No state has to offer year-round E15. We already know the EPA has already cleared it. It’s unknown why the EPA would have delayed the implementation until 2025, so getting the waiver for this year, I think, is appropriate,” Miller-Meeks said.

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth (D-Illinois) also applauds the Biden Administration’s decision to sell E15 gasoline during summer driving season.

“I’m glad President Biden heeded our call to help lower prices at the pump for working families by allowing for the sale of E15 fuel during the coming summer months through this temporary waiver,” Duckworth said. “E15 fuel helps our nation reduce reliance on foreign oil while bringing down gas prices across the country, and by expanding the availability of homegrown biofuels we’re not only helping families keep more money in their pockets, but also strengthening our national security, reducing emissions and driving economic opportunity here at home. Committing to our agriculture industry and supporting our Midwest farmers is a critical element of our transition to lower emissions. I’m glad that the President acted to strengthen and support renewable fuel, and I hope we can make this change permanent.”

The waiver takes effect May 1 and will continue for 20 days. The EPA intends to renew the waiver as long as it’s necessary.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.