The ethanol industry breathed a collective sigh of relief this week when President Joe Biden announced an emergency waiver to allow 15% ethanol blended gasoline (E15) to be sold this summer.

“We applaud President Biden and his administration for recognizing that low-cost, low-carbon ethanol should be given a fair opportunity to strengthen our energy security and reduce record-high pump prices,” said Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Geoff Cooper.

American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE) CEO Brian Jennings said, “President Biden’s announcement is great news for the ethanol industry, farmers, and most importantly, American consumers, who are under financial stress from rising energy prices and expenses. E15 is saving families between 10 and 30 cents per gallon, so this is a meaningful step toward reducing gas prices. We appreciate the President making it clear the farmers and biofuel producers who produce American-made ethanol are part of the solution to address pain at the pump.”

National Corn Growers Association President Chris Edgington, an Iowa corn farmer, participated in the event at a Menlo, Iowa ethanol plant on Tuesday. “Corn growers thank President Biden for ensuring drivers continue to have access to a lower-cost fuel choice and acknowledging how renewable ethanol helps reduce prices, lower emissions and improve our nation’s energy security,” said Edgington. “Farmers are proud to contribute to cleaner, less expensive fuel choices.”

Clean Fuels Alliance America Vice President of Federal Affairs Kurt Kovarik said, “With current diesel fuel shortages and high prices for foreign oil, homegrown biodiesel and renewable diesel are crucial to keep the economy moving. U.S. biodiesel and renewable diesel producers are working hard to provide Americans a better, cleaner replacement for fuel made from imported crude oil.”

However, supporters recognize this emergency waiver is only a stopgap measure for this year and a more permanent solution will be required to continue offering E15 year round.