Fedorchak statement on EPA action to expand domestic biofuels markets for producers

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Julie Fedorchak (R-ND) released the following statement after EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin today issued a temporary emergency fuel waiver to allow nationwide sales of E15 and to remove all federal impediments to selling E10 across the country.

"EPA's decision to remove barriers for ethanol in fuel is welcome news for North Dakota's producers. Expanding access to homegrown ethanol will send strong market signals the industry needs for growth, strengthen our domestic energy supply, and expand market access for biofuels producers," Fedorchak said. "I look forward to working with the Trump administration to build on this momentum and deliver a permanent, year-round solution for E15. It's how we create long-term certainty for refineries, producers, and oil producers alike."

Fedorchak, who serves as Co-Chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, was appointed by House Speaker Mike Johnson to the E15 Rural Energy Domestic Council. The Council is charged with reviewing key issues related to year-round E15 and recommending a workable, nationwide path forward to advance a permanent solution.

"EPA is working with our federal partners to reduce unnecessary costs and uncertainty and ensure that gas prices remain affordable for all Americans through the summer. This emergency action will provide American families with relief by increasing fuel supply and consumer choice," said EPA Administrator Zeldin. "President Trump has prioritized ensuring American families have an affordable domestic energy supply. The Trump Administration has made great strides on this during the first year and will continue to do so."

"President Trump is unleashing American Energy Dominance, and today's action will directly lower prices at the pump and gives a clear demand signal to our domestic biofuels producers. Allowing the summer sale of E-15 will provide drivers more options at the pump, and deliver a bigger domestic market for American farmers," said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins. "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. 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 nation's corn farmers are a key part of the solution."

The emergency fuel waiver will temporarily waive the summer low volatility requirements and blending limitations for gasoline to provide additional flexibility to the fuel marketplace. This will increase fuel supply and provide a variety of gasoline fuel blends to choose from without changing environmental protections already in place. E15 is currently offered at over 3,000 gas stations nationwide, where it serves as a more affordable choice for Americans. Without this action, E15 gasoline cannot be used by roughly half of the country this summer. Additionally, EPA is also waiving federal enforcement of all state "boutique" fuel requirements for gasoline, allowing the production and distribution of gasoline with 9 to 15 percent ethanol content at a single common Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) standard of 10 psi across the nation. EPA's actions will go into effect on May 1, 2026, for most states, and will initially remain in place through May 20, 2026. This 20-day window is the maximum number of days allowed under the CAA.

ICYMI: Earlier this year, Fedorchak took to the House Floor urging her colleagues to support the year-round sale of E15. Click hereto watch.

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