EPA proposes rule change to allow summer sales of 15% ethanol in SD and 7 other states

DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — Gasoline with higher blends of ethanol could be sold year-round in eight Midwestern states beginning in 2024 under a rule proposed by the Environmental Protection Agency.

The proposed rule released Wednesday is a victory for the biofuels industry, which for years has pushed to allow sales of gasoline blended with 15% ethanol during the summer. That move hasn’t been allowed because of concerns that it would worsen smog during hot weather.

The industry and members of Congress welcomed the EPA’s proposal, which had been requested by governors in the eight states.

Under the proposal, the higher blends could be sold during the summer in Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota and Wisconsin.

March 2, 2023