ACE Grateful for 2026 Emergency E15 Waiver, but Urges Immediate Congressional Action on Permanent Solution

Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announcedit is issuing an emergency fuel waiver to allow E15 to be sold during the summer driving season. The waiver also removes all federal impediments to selling E10.American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings issued the statement below following the announcement:

"If ever there were justifiable conditions to merit an emergency waiver for E15, it would be now as fuel prices have skyrocketed from war with Iran and a historical oil market disruption in the Strait of Hormuz. We welcome the Trump administration's action which will help consumers access a significantly less expensive fuel, shielding drivers from Middle East fuel price volatility.

"Despite this action, Congress must still act quickly. ACE made year-round E15 access a top priority during our DC Fly-In this month, and we're grateful to our members and Congressional champions who continue to advocate on this issue. Enactment of E15 legislation has recently been held hostage by a handful of small and mid-sized oil refiners trying to line their pockets at the expense of American consumers and farmers. Instead of letting these disingenuous concerns by a small subset of refiners, some whom are Fortune 500 companies, stall action, Congress should stand with the supermajority of oil refiners who have united with agriculture, biofuel, and fuel retail groups in favor of bipartisan action from Congress on year-round E15.

"While EPA has approved E15 in select Midwest states and has now issued temporary summer waivers since 2022, only Congress can provide a permanent, nationwide solution to reduce gas prices and prevent a confusing patchwork of state regulations.

"The historic oil market disruption caused by Middle East instability underscores the urgency of Congress taking action now to expand access to adopt the bipartisan Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act to provide affordable, American-made E15 before the 2026 summer driving season."