Representatives from NATSO, an organization representing truck stops and travel plazas, and SIGMA, a major fuel marketer in America, have expressed their approval of the Biden Administration’s decision to allow the summer sales of gasoline containing 15% ethanol (E15). This move aims to ensure optimal fuel availability for consumers during the busy summer driving season. The decision to permit the sale of E15 during peak driving months is seen as a measure to prevent potential disruptions in the fuel supply or increased costs for consumers in case of unforeseen circumstances tightening supplies. Advocates highlight that E15 contributes to lowering fuel prices for consumers, expands the industry’s fuel options, and improves the carbon intensity of available fuels. David Fialkov, Executive Vice President of Government Affairs at NATSO and SIGMA, noted, “E15 enables fuel retailers to improve gasoline’s emissions characteristics while lowering fuel prices at the pump.”
The decision is expected to contribute to ensuring a consistent and reasonably priced gasoline supply across the nation during the summer months. NATSO and SIGMA, together representing a significant portion of motor fuel sales in the United States, have long supported a legislative solution to allow year-round E15 sales. Increasing the availability of renewable fuel blends is seen as a measure to both save consumers money and reduce carbon emissions from ground transportation. In their letter to the EPA urging this action, NATSO and SIGMA pointed out ongoing geopolitical factors, such as the conflict in Ukraine and recent unrest in the Middle East, which pose potential risks to the fuel supply chain during months of heightened demand or unexpected disruptions. These factors underscore the importance of ensuring fuel supply stability during periods of increased demand and potential market volatility, such as during summer driving seasons or in the face of supply chain disruptions like hurricanes or refinery outages.
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