2LT International News

NEW YORK CITY, New York: This week, the Trump administration has approved an emergency rule that allows gas stations across the U.S. to sell E15 gasoline—a blend that contains 15 percent ethanol—throughout the summer.

Typically, this fuel is not allowed in the summer due to environmental concerns about smog, but the government says this move will help increase fuel supply during the busy driving season and lower gas prices.

This decision is expected to help corn farmers and biofuel companies because E15 uses more corn-based ethanol. These industries have long pushed for year-round nationwide sales of E15.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins said the decision will give consumers more choices, lower fuel costs, and boost demand for American-grown corn.

The emergency rule will begin on May 1. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), which approved the change, said it will keep the rule in place as long as needed. Similar summer waivers have been issued in past years.

Geoff Cooper, head of a biofuel industry group, praised the move, saying it would help prevent fuel shortages and keep gas prices in check, especially during uncertain global energy conditions.

Earlier this year, the EPA agreed to let several Midwestern states begin selling E15 year-round starting April 28. This week, the EPA also said it would not enforce stricter fuel standards in seven Midwestern states—Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin—that would have otherwise applied to E10 gasoline.