Nebraska leaders are praising a new federal waiver allowing E15 gasoline sales this summer, while continuing to call on Congress to make the change permanent nationwide.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently issued an emergency waiver permitting E15 — a gasoline blend containing 15% ethanol — to be sold during the summer driving season, when it is typically restricted under federal fuel volatility regulations.
Gov. Jim Pillen called the decision a win for both consumers and agriculture.
“The E15 summer waiver announcement from EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin is great news for Nebraska and our corn farmers,” Pillen said. “This decision will save families money at the pump and reduce America’s need for foreign oil. A pro-agriculture move that is great for farmers and our country.”
U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer said the waiver provides short-term relief but emphasized that a permanent solution is needed.
“I thank EPA Administrator Zeldin and the Trump administration for issuing another emergency waiver for E15 to be sold year-round across the country,” Fischer said. “This will undoubtedly bring some short-term relief to our farmers and ranchers, and ease fuels costs on Americans.”
She added, “The fact remains that this is not a long-term solution, and it is far past time for Congress to make this permanent.”
Fischer is sponsoring the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailers Choice Act, which would amend the Clean Air Act to allow year-round E15 sales and eliminate the need for repeated waivers.
U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith echoed that message, calling biofuels “a key pillar of American energy independence.”
“Right now, a handful of midsize refiners refuse to allow certainty for consumers, retailers, and agriculture producers in favor of their own interests,” Smith said. “It is clear to any reasonable person that this status quo must end.”
Nebraska is one of the nation’s leading ethanol-producing states, and E15 expansion is widely supported by agricultural stakeholders. Federal agencies, including the U.S. Department of Agriculture, have highlighted ethanol’s role in supporting corn demand and rural economies.
While emergency waivers have been issued in recent years to allow summer E15 sales, lawmakers continue to push for a permanent nationwide policy change.