EPA allows gasoline with higher ethanol blend during summer

By SCOTT McFETRIDGE
Associated Press

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Fuel stations throughout the country will be able to sell gasoline blended with 15% ethanol during the summer under an emergency waiver issued by the Environmental Protection Agency. The move announced Friday could reduce prices at the pump and boost demand for the Midwest-based ethanol industry. The EPA framed its decision as a way to reduce gas prices at a time of market supply uncertainty because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The agency also notes the action encourages U.S. energy independence and supports American agriculture and manufacturing. Most gasoline sold in the U.S. is blended with 10% ethanol and the higher 15% blend hasn’t been allowed in the summer because of concerns it could worsen smog during hot weather.