The Trump administration reportedly plans to ask Congress to permanently authorize year-round sales of E15 gasoline, an ethanol-blended fuel that supporters say could lower prices at the pump.
Citing a U.S. official familiar with the matter, CBS News noted that the White House intends to include the request in a supplemental package being sent to lawmakers. The proposal would eliminate the need for annual waivers that currently allow the fuel blend to be sold during the summer months.
E15 is a gasoline blend containing 15% ethanol and 85% gasoline. While the more common E10 blend, which contains 10% ethanol, is sold throughout the year, E15 faces seasonal restrictions under federal regulations because it evaporates more quickly in hot weather. Environmental regulators have long argued that the higher evaporation rate can contribute to increased levels of smog and air pollution during the summer.
As a result, federal law generally requires fuel suppliers to switch to more expensive gasoline formulations during warmer months. However, both Republican and Democratic administrations have periodically granted emergency waivers allowing E15 sales when fuel prices rise or supply concerns emerge.
The push comes as gasoline prices have been pressured by the war in Iran. President Donald Trump has repeatedly emphasized the need to keep fuel affordable and campaigned on expanding access to E15 as part of his broader energy agenda. However, oil prices have plummeted since Washington and Tehran signed a memorandum of understanding to cease hostilities and kick off nuclear negotiations. Trump has called on major gas companies to reduce prices as a result, accusing them of gauging.
In March, the Environmental Protection Agency temporarily lifted gasoline regulations through emergency fuel waivers, allowing refiners and retailers to continue selling E15 ahead of and during the summer driving season. The move was intended to increase fuel supplies and provide consumers with lower-cost options during one of the busiest travel periods of the year.
The White House now wants Congress to make those temporary measures permanent, ending the cycle of annual regulatory exemptions. Supporters of the proposal, particularly lawmakers from major corn-producing states, have long argued that year-round E15 sales would benefit both consumers and farmers. Ethanol is primarily produced from corn, making the fuel blend an important market for agricultural producers across the Midwest.
Advocates say E15 provides a cheaper alternative to traditional gasoline. According to the Renewable Fuels Association, E15 is typically priced about 25 cents per gallon below regular gasoline. The White House has also argued that broader access to the fuel could collectively save American drivers more than $20 billion annually. Still, the proposal faces potential hurdles on Capitol Hill. It remains unclear whether Congress has enough votes to approve a permanent change to federal fuel regulations.
