The Nebraska Ethanol Board (NEB) welcomes the final rule published today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that will approve a request from several Midwest governors, including Nebraska. The rule equalizes E10 and E15 regulations, allowing the year-round sale of E15 in the governors’ respective states beginning in 2025.
“We’re excited that the continued persistence of Gov. Pillen and his colleagues has paid off,” NEB Executive Director Reid Wagner said. “Consumers deserve the option of low-cost, low-carbon E15 year-round. It’s great news that Nebraska drivers will have that option permanently beginning in 2025. Unfortunately, this rule also leaves those same drivers without an option for the summer 2024 driving season. We look forward to working with the EPA on ways that we can secure the uninterrupted sale of E15 for this summer.”
Eight Midwest governors originally requested year-round E15 sales from the EPA in 2022, including then-Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts. Various delays in the approval process eventually resulted in Nebraska Attorney General Mike Hilgers suing the EPA last year. The EPA published the final rule today, effectively clearing the last hurdle on the long‑awaited change.
“The NEB has long pushed for a permanent fix to E15 regulation,” Wagner said. “Although this rule will allow year-round E15 sales in only the eight Midwestern states who originally requested it, this is a major step in allowing consumers to choose E15 throughout the year without the need for temporary waivers or other measures. We will continue to push for a nationwide legislative fix to allow E15 year-round, and urge Congress to swiftly adopt legislation to resolve this issue beyond the Midwest.”
