USA: EPA releases E15, RIN market reform proposed rule

Retailers may be able to sell E15 throughout the year instead of only in the summer is the changes are approved.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed regulatory changes to allow gasoline blended with up to 15% ethanol (E15) all year round.

The proposal takes advantage of the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver for the summer months that has historically been applied only to E10.

Currently, the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) regulations force fuel retailers to restrict sales of E15 to flex fuel vehicles (FFV) only from 1 June to 15 September, the peak driving season.

“This rule is a critical milestone for rural Americans who make renewable biofuels and for all American drivers, who may soon have a cleaner, more affordable, higher-octane fuel all year long,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor.

Comments on EPA’s E15 and RIN market reform proposal must be submitted to the agency by April 29.