Smith Statement on 2024 E15 Emergency Waiver

Washington, D.C. - Rep. Adrian Smith (R-NE), a co-chair of the Congressional Biofuels Caucus, released the following statement after the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced an emergency waiver to allow E15 sales this summer:

"Restrictions on E15 are outdated and backwards, and the EPA has taken the right action to waive unnecessary red tape as we head into the summer months," said Rep. Smith. "As a renewable source of energy, ethanol blends help relieve costs for consumers, provide flexibility for producers, and boost American energy independence. While I appreciate the EPA's announcement, ongoing emergency waivers are not a long-term solution, and I will continue working to advance a legislative solution such as my bill with Reps. Craig and Johnson, the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, to provide permanent, year-round access to E15."

BACKGROUND:

Congressman Smith first introduced a bill to approve year-round sale of E15 in 2015. On April 11, Smith joined a bipartisan group in leading a Biofuels Caucus letter urging President Biden to issue the necessary waiver for year-round sale of E15. On April 17, Smith joined Rep. Zach Nunn (R-IA) to introduce the Year-Round E15 Act, a bipartisan bill to expand the sale of E15 in 2024.

Read more about Smith's bipartisan, bicameral legislation here.

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