The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on Friday completed its review of eight states requests to remove the volatility waiver provided under law for ethanol blends
—the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver of 1 pound per square inch (PSI). Removing the waiver would allow sales of E15 fuel year-round in the states.
Related article: Renewable Fuel’s Big Week: EPA’s RFS Proposal And Year-Round E15 Legislation
Background
Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin made their requests early in 2022 and EPA sent forward its proposed rule Dec. 5, 2022.
Now what?
EPA can now release the proposed rule. The timing of the comment period associated with the proposed rule may dictate whether or not the waivers, if granted, can be in place for the 2023 summer driving season which starts June 1 and runs through Sept. 15.
Related article: E30 Ethanol Blend Inches Closer to Pumps with EPA’s Latest Actions
Without the waiver, states will be unable to sell E15 fuel in the summer months.
