Kansas, 7 other states seek permanent waiver to sell E15 gas
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly has joined seven other Midwestern state governors in asking the EPA for a permanent waiver that will allow them to continue selling ethanol-blended gas year-round without restriction.
The EPA’s decision last week to suspend restrictions of summer sales of the lower-carbon, lower-cost E15 gasoline is temporary and only applies to the 2022 summer driving season.
E15 is usually prohibited between June 1 and Sept. 15 because of concerns that it adds to smog in high temperatures.
The bipartisan group of governors from Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin sent a joint letter to EPA Administrator Michael Reagan formally requesting the waiver.
“Our entire country is feeling the financial strain from high prices at the pump, but something must be done to provide the American people with permanent relief,” Governor Laura Kelly said. “The year-round sale of E15 gasoline would offer a less expensive alternative fuel option for Kansans and others across the nation.”
Officials in Kansas applauded Kelly for the move.
“We extend our sincerest gratitude to Governor Kelly for continually honoring her commitment to the Kansas biofuels industry,” Renew Kansas Biofuels Association President and CEO Ron Seeber said. “Nearly 80 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.”
Governor Kelly is urging swift action to help lower fuel prices across the country, restore energy independence, and increase consumer access to our nation’s homegrown biofuels.
Earlier this month, President Biden traveled to Iowa to announce that his administration will temporarily allow E15 gas, which is blended with 15% ethanol, to be sold this summer to help ease gas prices.
Biden administration officials said the action will save drivers an average of 10 cents per gallon based on current prices, but at just 2,300 gas stations out of the nation’s more than 100,000.