EPA will allow nationwide sales of 15% ethanol blends this summer

LINCOLN, Neb. (KLKN) — Drivers across the country will be able to fill up with higher ethanol blends this summer.

On Friday, the Environmental Protection Agency issued an emergency waiver allowing the sale of gasoline that is 15% ethanol year-round.

The waiver is intended to shield the U.S. from the effects of conflicts in Europe and the Middle East on the gasoline supply.

E15 sales are usually prohibited in the summer because of the potential of increased ozone pollution.

The Nebraska Ethanol Board welcomed the decision and said Nebraskans can save about 10 cents a gallon when they use E15 instead of E10.

Sen. Deb Fischer of Nebraska also supports the waiver but said the change should be permanent.

“It’s time to end the uncertainty and ensure that families across this country have consistent access to a biofuel that will lower prices at the pump,” she said.