Summer waivers for E15 have become commonplace in recent years, with both Republicans and Democrats calling for it to become year-round and permanent to lower pump prices, The Guardian - World reports. E15 is already allowed in some states, including Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, Missouri, Wisconsin, and most of South Dakota, according to the Renewable Fuels Association. It is also legal in cities that require reformulated gasoline, the association said. In Kansas, Democratic representative Sharice Davids has requested and been granted emergency waivers for E15 for several years from EPA administrations under presidents of both parties, The Guardian - World notes. US Senator Amy Klobuchar urged the Trump administration to take a no-cost, immediate step to curb rising domestic fuel costs amid the Iran war, The Guardian - World adds.
However, E15 isn't available in all states, and some places lack the necessary infrastructure or enough ethanol supply to ramp up use, according to Kenneth Gillingham. Higher levels of corrosive ethanol in E15 can be a risk especially to older cars, boats, and all-terrain vehicles, Gillingham said. According to The Guardian - World, Kenneth Gillingham described that the EPA's move will likely lead to ozone issues in the summer, earlier heart attacks, and earlier respiratory issues.
There's more likely to be ozone issues in the summer and some people will die. It will lead to some earlier heart attacks and it will lead to some earlier respiratory issues that wouldn't have bee
More corn used for ethanol means less can be used for animal feed, which could lead to higher grocery store costs, according to Jason Hill. The EPA's announcement is targeted more at farmers hit hard by higher diesel and fertilizer prices caused by the Iran war, Hill said. Similar announcements have been made before as a way to express support for agriculture and those who drive, he added.