Missouri – After the Environmental Protection Agency sought to permit year-round sales of E15 gasoline around the country, Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey is celebrating a major triumph for local farmers, families, and drivers. The decision responds to a long-standing demand by Missouri’s top legal officer to implement Clean Air Act regulations and comes just as drivers get ready for the busy summer travel season. Bailey claims the result shows that bureaucratic stalling can be overcome by strong legal action supported by unambiguous statutory criteria.
In January 2023, Bailey joined six other attorneys general in officially urging the EPA to react to bipartisan governors’ petitions to allow E15 fuel sales during the warmer months. Though it did not respond, under federal law the government was supposed to do so within 90 days.
“For years, we demanded that the Biden Administration follow the law and take action. It turns out we didn’t need a new EPA—we just needed a new president,” said Attorney General Bailey in a release. “President Trump is delivering results that Biden’s EPA sat on for years. Missourians deserve affordable, clean-burning fuel, and I’m proud to say we got it done.”
Under President Trump’s latest executive order, which announced a national energy crisis, that persistence paid off. Citing that order, the EPA granted an emergency waiver this spring removing the seasonal prohibition on E15 sales. The FDA also removed prior criteria that had added more obstacles on E10, the mix containing only 10% ethanol.
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Proponents claim the action will provide several advantages. Since E15 is usually less expensive to manufacture and sell, drivers should see lower pump prices. Increased demand for home-grown corn used in ethanol production would benefit farmers across Missouri. Consumers concerned with U.S. energy independence argue the policy change will increase the domestic biofuel industry and hence lower dependence on foreign oil.
Bailey underlined those legitimate demands and strong legal advocacy have directly caused this success.
He said, “The people of Missouri asked for action, and they are finally getting it. My office will always fight to ensure the law is followed and Missourians come first.”
He also underlined that his office will keep an eye on compliance, therefore guaranteeing that shops really provide the fuel mixes already allowed by federal authorities.
Representatives of the industry have started already organizing the change. While convenience store chains statewide have indicated their wish to increase E15 availability, fuel distributors are modernizing marketing materials and infrastructure. Many stations hope to have pumps ready in weeks given summer is around the horizon.
Bailey claims drivers should look forward to more choice at the pump as well as the savings that follow as they get ready for road trips and daily travel.
“This is the result of sustained legal pressure, lawful demands, and a president who listens,” Attorney General Bailey added.
