EPA Lifts Seasonal Restrictions on Higher-Ethanol Fuel Sales in Eight States, Effective Summer 2025.

EPA has approved the lifting seasonal restrictions on the sale of higher-ethanol fuel in eight Midwestern states from summer 2025, a decision that was part of a 2-year-old request from governors. The decision, in a final rule, marks only a partial victory for biofuel groups who had asked EPA to allow the change to take effect this summer. The Renewable Fuels Association, representing ethanol producers, called the decision a “double-edged sword” that creates uncertainty about which fuel will be available this summer and may result in a potential emergency waiver from the Biden administration. The final rule states that the change would reduce emissions that contribute to atmospheric ozone.