After many delays, the IL Corn Growers Association (IL Corn) celebrates as the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced year-round E15 availability for seven states – Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. The governors of these states – plus Ohio – requested the waiver to sell E15 all year in the spring of 2022. The announcement, in effect on April 28, 2025, will expand consumer access to cleaner burning, renewable ethanol while increasing corn demand for Midwestern farmers.
History of Governors Requests
Nearly three years ago, eight Midwestern governors exercised their authority under the Clean Air Act to formally petition EPA to remove the 1-psi volatility waiver for E10. This would reduce emissions and permanently level the playing field for E15 in their states. By law, the EPA had 90 days to approve the governors’ petition, yet the agency did not propose its approval until March 2023.
In December 2024, a bipartisan coalition of 22 House and Senate members urged the White House to act quickly on the governors’ petition.
Progress in Midwest, but Fight for Nationwide E15 Continues
While the EPA reviewed the Midwestern Governors’ request for an E15 waiver, the industry has continued working to address the broader regulatory challenge. In September 2024, we were optimistic about the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, which would have slowed year-round sales of E15 nationwide. Later in the year, we were once again close to achieving the milestone, only for E15 to be removed from the year-end Continuing Resolution at the eleventh hour.
We’re grateful for the EPA granting the Midwestern Governors’ request, as it is a great first step forward for these states. However, the overall goal remains to secure nationwide access to E15. While today’s announcements will benefit the seven states, passing legislation with larger E15 waivers would ensure year-round availability nationwide.
What Can YOU Do?
A bill in Congress today, Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act of 2025 would allow consumer’s year-round access to E15 nationwide instead of in these select seven states. This bill would mean 133 million additional bushels of corn demand for U.S. farmers. To lend your support to this bill, sign our letter today!
