EPA Grants E10 Waiver for Seven Midwestern States and Nationwide E15 Waiver

Regulatory Alert

EPA Grants E10 Waiver for Seven Midwestern States and Nationwide E15 Waiver

EMA Regulatory Counsel Contacts: Jeff Leiter and Jorge Roman

Monday, April 28, 2025 – EMA is pleased to announce that –– in response to requests from the Governors of Illinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Minnesota, Missouri, South Dakota, and Wisconsin –– EPA will allow these seven States continue to use summertime blendstocks for the sale of E10. These States had opted out of the one-pound Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver for E10, beginning this summer. This means refiners will no longer be required to produce 7.8 RVP base gasoline for E10 to meet gasoline volatility limits in these States. Now, 9.0 RVP base gasoline with the one-pound waiver can be used throughout the Midwest.

Additionally, EPA granted a nationwide waiver for E15, permitting the blend to be sold in fuel markets across the nation with a higher volatility standard. In essence, E15 and E10 will now have regulatory parity in the Midwest without adding the complexities of fuel bifurcation.

“EPA’s action for these states means E15 and E10 are sold across the region on equal footing, helping ensure adequate gasoline supplies to consumers across the country,” the agency said in an announcement.

EMA and its Central Region shared key market insights with federal and state decision-makers to look for ways to mitigate the consequences of the request by Midwestern governors to “opt-out” of RVP summertime flexibility, which would have established a boutique market with 7.8 RVP E10 blends. With EPA’s actions, both E10 and E15 can be sold with the same blendstock.

However, uncertainty remains, as the market has adjusted based on the implementation of the “opt-out,” and the E10 emergency waiver expires on May 20 (although it can be renewed by EPA). EMA continues to underscore that delaying the implementation for another year is the path that would create the most stability in fuel markets.

“EMA will continue advocacy efforts with EPA, as well with Congress and industry stakeholders, on a long-term solution for E10 and E15 blends, supporting policies that maximize fuel fungibility, consider infrastructure compatibility, and minimize retail fuel price volatility,” said EMA President Rob Underwood.

For more information on EPA’s announcement, click here.

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