EPA Looks to Move Forward With Blending More Ethanol in Your Summer Gasoline

The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) looks to move forward with allowing a higher concentration of ethanol to be blended with gasoline year-round.

Presently, E15-blended fuel (known affectionately as “winter mix”) is only permitted to be sold eight months out of the year. The EPA’s newly proposed regulation, a copy of which found on the EPA’s web site, would lift this ban and permit higher concentrations of ethanol in fuel that is sold annually from June 1 through Sept. 1.

“Consistent with President Trump’s direction, EPA is working to propose and finalize these changes by the summer driving season,” said EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler in a statement. “We will be holding a public hearing at the end of this month to gather important feedback.”

The use of biofuel products, such as ethanol, is heavily subsidized in the United States. This enables farmers to grow the so-called “cash crops” at a significant premium with continued demand. Some states, such as Iowa, dedicate up to 39 percent of its corn crops for the sole use of fuel additives. The government hopes that by permitting the higher blend of ethanol, drivers will be paying less at the pump.