Amid ongoing volatility in global energy markets — driven in part by international conflicts and shifting oil supplies — fuel prices remain top of mind for American consumers. In this environment, access to affordable, domestically produced energy sources like E15 is increasingly important. The 2026 emergency waiver allowing summer sales of E15 not only strengthens U.S. energy security but also helps drivers save money at the pump, up to 30 cents per gallon.
The Trump administration’s decision to grant emergency waivers ensures uninterrupted, nationwide access to E15, a fuel blend made with 15% bioethanol that is approved for use in virtually every light-duty vehicle on the road today. Beginning May 1, 2026, the waiver will keep E15 available through the summer driving season, preventing fuel supply disruptions and expanding consumer choice.
“Thanks to President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, drivers will have uninterrupted access to lower-cost E15 throughout the summer driving months,” said Joshua Shields, POET’s Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs. “This will be the fifth consecutive year of emergency waivers, reflecting the wide-spread demand for E15. We cannot continue to rely on short-term fixes and waivers; farmers, consumers, and retailers need certainty that can only come from legislative action. Congress must follow this Administration’s lead and quickly pass a permanent solution to year-round E15.”
The waiver was issued by EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, in coordination with the Department of Energy, under the Clean Air Act. The action removes federal barriers to E15 and supports a more resilient domestic fuel supply.
"We applaud President Trump, EPA Administrator Zeldin, and our Midwestern governors for their support, and for taking swift action to ensure that retailers, refiners, and biofuel producers have the certainty they need to protect consumer access to savings at the pump,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “With the conflict in the Middle East and its impact on the global oil marketplace, it’s more important than ever to shield U.S. consumers from volatility with lower-cost, American-made fuel."
A Need for Long-Term Certainty
Though the emergency waiver provides critical short-term relief, industry leaders continue to emphasize the need for a permanent, nationwide solution. Stable, year-round access to E15 would provide certainty for farmers, biofuel producers, and fuel retailers while expanding savings for consumers. Without legislative action, the industry remains dependent on temporary measures rather than a consistent policy that fully supports American energy independence.
“While today’s announcement is great news for farmers, year-round E-15 is essential for the farm economy, and Congress needs to find a common sense solution that provides much needed certainty to consumers and farmers,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. “Once again, Administrator Zeldin and President Trump’s cabinet is delivering for our great American farmers. Our energy security is truly a national security priority, and our nations corn farmers are a key part of the solution.”
