RFN Applauds Emergency Summer E15 Waiver, Urges Permanent Year-Round Solution
LINCOLN, NE – Renewable Fuels Nebraska (RFN) today welcomed the announcement from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin granting an emergency waiver to allow the continued sale of E15 fuel nationwide throughout the summer months.
The action follows a bipartisan request from Midwest governors and comes at a critical time as global instability and tightening fuel supplies continue to put pressure on energy markets and consumer fuel prices. The waiver ensures that drivers will continue to have access to E15, a lower-cost, cleaner-burning fuel made from American-grown ethanol.
Without this temporary relief, outdated federal regulations would once again limit access to E15 during the peak summer driving season, creating unnecessary disruption for retailers and consumers alike.
Renewable Fuels Nebraska Executive Director Dawn Caldwell issued the following statement:
“President Trump and Administrator Zeldin continue to demonstrate strong leadership by supporting access to E15 during the summer driving season. This decision helps ensure Nebraska drivers can choose a fuel that is more affordable, cleaner burning, and proudly produced by our state’s farmers and ethanol producers.
This is a meaningful step forward for Nebraska’s bioeconomy, supporting rural communities, strengthening markets for agriculture, and delivering real savings at the pump.
But our work is far from finished. Renewable Fuels Nebraska remains focused on securing permanent, year-round E15 access to provide certainty for producers, retailers, and consumers alike. We appreciate the continued partnership of our state and federal leaders and will keep working to make year-round E15 a lasting reality.”
RFN noted that while the emergency waiver provides important short-term certainty for existing retailers, it does not address the long-term barriers that prevent broader adoption of E15. Without permanent, year-round approval from Congress, many fuel retailers remain hesitant to invest in infrastructure needed to expand access.
E15 continues to play a critical role in strengthening America’s energy security by increasing domestic fuel supply, lowering emissions, and reducing reliance on foreign energy sources. Nebraska, as one of the nation’s leading ethanol-producing states, stands to benefit significantly from expanded, consistent market access.
Renewable Fuels Nebraska will continue working with state and federal partners to advance policies that support year-round E15 and unlock additional growth opportunities for farmers, producers, and rural communities.
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