SC Nebraska News

Washington, DC — Representative Adrian Smith expressed gratitude for the Trump administration's decision to issue an emergency waiver permitting nationwide sales of E15 gasoline through May 20. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) introduced the waiver alongside measures to ensure consistent standards for E10 fuel sales.

Smith expressed his views on the matter through a formal statement, advocating for the benefits of higher ethanol blends. "Drivers are looking for fuel price relief and higher ethanol blends are the commonsense solution. Ensuring the availability of this renewable, homegrown energy source empowers producers and retailers to meet demand during the summer travel months," said Smith. He acknowledged the efforts of EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins in facilitating the waiver. Smith stressed the necessity of a permanent legislative solution, referring to his ongoing work on the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act. The aim of this act is to address existing restrictions on E15.

Smith has been actively involved in efforts regarding E15 sales since he first introduced the legislation in 2015. He has taken several initiatives this year, including leading a bipartisan letter to the administration on April 22. This letter urged the government to allow nationwide E15 sales throughout the summer. Previously, on March 11, Smith led a bipartisan press conference advocating for the removal of E15 sales restrictions.

Earlier in February, he introduced the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act and, on February 6, collaborated with Representative Angie Craig to rally support for the American biofuels industry. This collaboration included sending a letter emphasizing the importance of biofuels and urging the EPA for timely, science-based guidance to fulfill the Renewable Fuels Standard.