EPA again Grants Temporary E15 Waiver under CAA Authority


   
   CRANBURY, N.J. (DTN) -- For the third consecutive year, the U.S. 
Environmental Protection Agency will grant a temporary waiver under the 
authority of the Clean Air Act to allow for E15 gasoline sales during the 
summer driving season.

   Effective May 1 at the wholesale level and June 1 at the retail level, 
ethanol blended into conventional gasoline is permitted a maximum 10% 
concentration level through mid-September. Ethanol increases the emissions 
volatility in gasoline during the summer driving season above fuel 
specification requirements established by EPA under CAA known as the Reid vapor 
pressure rate. Gasoline with a 10% concentration of ethanol is granted a 1psi 
RVP waiver permitting its use during the summer season. E15 is not granted the 
1psi RVP waiver, so retailers do not sell E15 gasoline during the summer 
driving season.

   EPA can provide 20-day temporary waivers from environmental requirements if 
doing so addresses an emergency, which the agency did for the previous two 
summer driving seasons.

   EPA said today's action "will provide communities with relief at the pump 
from ongoing market supply issues created by the ongoing war in Ukraine and 
conflict in the Middle East by increasing fuel supply and offering a variety of 
gasoline fuel blends from which consumers can choose. This waiver will help 
consumers protect themselves against fuel supply shocks by reducing our 
reliance on imported fossil fuels, continuing to bolster U.S. energy 
independence, all while supporting American agriculture and manufacturing."

   Based on current estimates, EPA said E15 is about $0.25 gallon less than E10.

   "Because the RVP of E10 and E15 gasoline used by consumers will be the same, 
EPA does not expect any impact on air quality from this limited action. EPA's 
research has shown no significant impact on evaporative emissions when the 
1-psi waiver is extended to E15," said the agency.

   The waiver takes effect on May 1, remaining in effect through May 20. EPA 
said it will monitor supply, and "expects to issue new waivers effectively 
extending the emergency fuel waiver."




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