SIOUX FALLS, SD. — Fuel blended with up to 15% ethanol, referred to as E15, will again be available during the US summer driving season under an emergency fuel waiver from the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

This is the third consecutive year the EPA has issued the waiver. The waiver is in response to the ongoing impact of the war in Ukraine and the Middle East, the EPA said.

“We are grateful EPA has once again responded to our request for a national emergency waiver for E15, which will relieve pain at the pump and reduce pollution from vehicles over the summer months,” said Brian Jennings, chief executive officer of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE).

The Biden administration earlier this year confirmed that E15 can permanently be offered in eight Midwestern states but delayed year-round access until the summer of 2025.

“Today’s action is an important reminder that higher ethanol blends play a critical part in our nation’s energy security as well as contribute significant climate and air quality benefits,” Jennings said. “A permanent solution to year-round E15 will ensure these benefits aren’t left to the whim of ad hoc agency decision making in the future.”

More than 95% of all US vehicles are approved to use E15 and nearly 3,400 retail sites offer E15 across 30 states. E15 typically costs 5¢ to 25¢ per gallon less than E10 and 40¢ to $1.00 less than non-ethanol gasolines.

E15 also has a higher-octane rating, so allowing its sale gives consumers the option to buy a higher quality product for less money, ACE said.