There is an EPA regulatory barrier against selling 15 percent ethanol blends between June 1 to September 15 and the National Corn Growers Association says it’s time for the rule to go. The organization is urging Congress to pass the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (S. 517, H.R. 1311) to give consumers free choice at the pump year round.

“This regulation handcuffs fuel retailers who want to offer E15 to customers year-round,” said Ethanol Action Team Chair Paul Jeschke, a farmer from Mazon, Illinois. “And, because E15 typically costs less per gallon than regular gas, consumers lose the opportunity to save money during the summer driving season when they make more stops to fill up.”

Currently blends of up to 10 percent ethanol have a waiver for the emissions regulations because ethanol-blended fuels reduce tailpipe emissions, but blends with 15 percent ethanol have failed to receive the same treatment. The act would clarify that blends of greater than 10 percent be treated the same.