DHS Shutdown & Domestic Security — 2026-03-26
EPA Issues Emergency E15 Ethanol Waiver as National Gas Average Hits $3.98
The EPA issued an emergency waiver permitting nationwide E15 gasoline sales from May 1-20, with authority to extend through summer. E15 has been selling 28 cents per gallon below regular gasoline, an 8.6% discount. The national gas average surged to $3.98, up from $2.97 a month ago, driven by Iran war supply disruption. Federal rules normally require costlier summer blends from June 1 through September 15. The waiver is one of the few levers the administration can pull to address consumer fuel costs without congressional action.
Analysis
The initial waiver covers only May 1-20, creating a narrow window that may need repeated extensions. The 28-cent/gallon E15 discount provides modest relief but cannot offset a $1.01/gallon surge in the national average since last month. The waiver cross-connects with the fertilizer story: if farmers shift from corn to soybeans due to urea shortages, ethanol feedstock supply contracts, potentially undermining the very policy meant to lower fuel costs.
The initial waiver covers only May 1-20, creating a narrow window that may need repeated extensions. The 28-cent/gallon E15 discount provides modest relief but cannot offset a $1.01/gallon surge in the national average since last month. The waiver cross-connects with the fertilizer story: if farmers shift from corn to soybeans due to urea shortages, ethanol feedstock supply contracts, potentially undermining the very policy meant to lower fuel costs.