05.31.19

Hoeven: EPA Finalizes Rule Allowing Year-Round Sale of E15

Senator Cosponsored Legislation to Make E15 Available Year-Round, Rule Will Allow Sale Starting this Summer Driving Season

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today issued the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) finalized a rule to extend the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver to include gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol (E15) on a year-round basis, as well as to promote transparency and stability in the Renewable Identification Number (RIN) market. 

The RVP waiver previously only allowed the sale of E10 during the summer months. Today’s action aligns with both the President’s executive order from last fall and legislation that Hoeven cosponsored last Congress, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, to allow the year-round sale of E15. In addition, the senator has urged the administration to make E15 available during the summer months and to improve transparency in the small refinery exemption to ensure that the renewable fuel standard is fair to both renewable and traditional industries.

“By finalizing this rule in time for the summer driving season, the EPA has helped provide certainty for agriculture producers while also giving travelers more options at the pump,” said Hoeven. “We appreciate Secretary Perdue and Administrator Wheeler for working to advance this priority, which will help our farmers who are facing the challenge of low commodity prices.” 

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