As tensions in the Middle East create uncertainty and volatility in global fuel markets, the Renewable Fuels Association is urging President Trump to move quickly to eliminate burdensome regulatory roadblocks that are preventing broader use of the American-made, lower-cost E15 gasoline blend.
In a letter to President Trump, RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper emphasized that the United States has record-large ethanol inventories and underutilized production capacity due to artificial barriers that are blocking access to the domestic marketplace. Removing those barriers and allowing E15 sales in existing infrastructure would help contain fuel price spikes that could potentially result from ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
“Today, the United States has a seasonal record volume of ethanol sitting in storage,” wrote RFA President and CEO Geoff Cooper, also noting that the industry has 130,000 barrels per day of idled production capacity. “Meanwhile, ample domestic grain supplies are available to support expanded ethanol production, and farmers are projected to harvest a record-large corn crop this fall. Unfortunately, however, outdated regulatory barriers are blocking larger volumes of ethanol and fuel blends like E15 from reaching the marketplace. Unwarranted regulatory burdens are preventing American consumers from experiencing the full cost-cutting benefits of ethanol. With your leadership, these barriers can be swiftly removed.”
In 2024, President Trump said he believed that fueling stations should be allowed to “use the existing pumps” to distribute E15. Cooper said RFA agrees with the president’s vision for E15 and outlined five simple steps the administration can take to ensure gas stations are able to utilize their existing equipment to offer lower-cost E15 to American drivers:
- Eliminate E15 Misfueling Mitigation Plan requirements.
- Establish a presumption of E15 compatibility for all fuel dispensers, underground storage tank systems, and hanging hardware installed after 1998. Existing equipment should be deemed compliant with applicable compatibility regulations.
- Continue issuing emergency fuel waivers through September 15, allowing E15 to be sold throughout the summer.
- Provide a safe harbor provision for retailers who act in good faith and follow EPA guidelines on the storage and distribution of E15 in existing equipment.
- Provide technical assistance for state and local authorities having jurisdiction to quickly adopt or codify changes that allow E15 to be distributed in existing infrastructure, if required by state or local code.
Cooper concluded: “Mr. President, now is the time to unleash American-made E15. The most effective way to prevent sudden increases in gas prices across the U.S. is by expanding and diversifying the domestic fuel supply, including ethanol made from our nation’s farm fields. Knocking down regulatory barriers and allowing E15 to be stored and distributed in existing infrastructure will lower fuel costs for Americans and strengthen the market’s resilience against global supply disruptions.”
