Following Brown’s Push, EPA Grants E15 Fuel Waiver in a Win for Ohio Farmers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - Following urging from U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown (D-OH), EPA announced today that it will grant a waiver to permit the summertime sale of E15 fuel. This waiver will expand markets for Ohio farmers and promote American fuel independence while lowering fuel costs for drivers in Ohio and across the country. Brown is a senior member of the Senate Agriculture Committee.

"Relying on American farmers for clean, reliable biofuels - like E15 - is a better energy solution than depending on foreign competitors," said Brown. "We pushed to expand the use of E15 now to send an important signal to manufacturers, consumers, and gas stations, which should help to lower energy prices throughout the summer all while expanding markets for Ohio farmers."

"Year-round access to higher blends of ethanol is a win for consumers, fuel retailers and corn growers alike. Senator Brown has been on the front lines of this fight and we're grateful for his hard work to bring his colleagues to the table and engage with the administration. Today's announcement is another signal that the time for more biofuels is here. Ohio's corn growers are ready to deliver high quality, low carbon, less expensive fuels right away," said Tadd Nicholson, Executive Director, Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association.

Brown has long been an advocate for lowering energy prices by using American-grown ethanol. Last month, the Ohio Corn & Wheat Growers Association awarded Brown the Ohio Corn & Wheat Guardian Award for his leadership in advocating for Ohio grain farmers.

In March 2023, Brown introduced the bipartisan Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2023which would enable the year-round, nationwide sale of ethanol blends higher than 10 percent, helping to lower fuel prices, support Ohio farmers, and provide price stability for consumers.

In 2023 and 2022, Brown successfully pushed the administration to grant a waiver to permit the summertime sale of E15 fuel.

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