28 Apr Renew Kansas commends Governor Laura Kelly’s efforts advocating to USEPA resulting in 2023 summer sales of E15
Renew Kansas Biofuels Association coordinated efforts with Kansas Governor Laura Kelly to urge President Joe Biden and the United States Environmental Protection Agency to grant an emergency waiver lifting the restriction on 2023 summer sales of E15 fuel.
E15 is a lower cost, high-octane fuel offering environmental benefits through lower emission and a reduction on foreign oil dependence.
“We extend our sincerest gratitude to Governor Kelly for doing her part in honoring her commitment to the Kansas biofuels industry,” Renew Kansas Biofuels Association President and CEO Ron Seeber said. “Nearly 100 stations in Kansas offer E15 fuel and because of Governor Kelly’s ongoing efforts discussing the positive economic and environmental impact of biofuels with the Biden Administration, Kansans now have the option to purchase a cost-effective, eco-friendly fuel for the remainder of the year.”
E15 is a fifteen percent ethanol blended fuel with a lower vapor pressure than E10 (a ten percent ethanol blend). Due to regulations set 30 years ago when blending beyond ten percent had yet to be envisioned, E15 has been locked out of the summer market. Studies have shown fuel volatility and evaporative emissions continue to decrease when ethanol fuel blends increase beyond E10.
“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to protecting Americans from fuel supply challenges resulting from the ongoing war in Ukraine by ensuring consumers have more choices at the pump,” said Administrator Michael S. Regan. “Allowing E15 sales during the summer driving season will not only help increase fuel supply, but support American farmers, strengthen U.S. energy security, and provide relief to drivers across the country.”
The EPA’s announcement of an emergency waiver is not a permanent solution allowing access to E15 year-round. Renew Kansas Biofuels Association and its industry partners will continue to work with like-minded coalitions and elected officials at the local and federal level to seek a long-term solution allowing drivers a 365-day option of fueling with E15.