TOPEKA – Governor Laura Kelly announced today that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted her request to allow the sale of E15 products – gasoline blended with 15% ethanol – during the summer months through an emergency waiver. This action will help prevent potential fuel shortages and save Kansans money at the gas pump.  

“I am pleased that the EPA has taken the necessary steps to lower costs for Kansas families at the pump this summer and to protect our fuel supply,” said Governor Laura Kelly. “With inflation still burdening our families and workers, it is essential that Kansans have a less expensive alternative fuel option to get to work, drive their kids to school, or travel across our great state.” 

“We appreciate Governor Kelly’s commitment to allowing Kansans access to E15 during the summer 2023 driving season,” Renew Kansas Biofuels Association President and CEO Ron Seeber said. “Our association appreciates her support of the renewable fuels industry.” 

Current estimates indicate that, on average, E15 is about 25 cents a gallon cheaper than E10. The EPA allowed for E15 sales during the summer of 2022 amid record-breaking inflation at the pumps and fuel supplies put at risk by the Russia-Ukraine War. This saved Americans at least $57 million in fuel costs and helped prevent potential fuel shortages across the country. 

“Folks are already dealing with high costs right now, and this emergency waiver lowers the cost of gas while also supporting local agricultural producers and reducing our country’s dependence on foreign oil supply,” Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03) said. “This is the right move in the short term, but I’ll continue focusing on lowering costs in the long term as well.” 

The EPA’s emergency waiver for E15 went into effect on May 1.