Gas prices are finally expected to decline. According to AAA, gas prices are trending downward. This reprieve will allow Americans to catch their breath.
Despite this good news, gas prices remain substantially higher than four years ago. In 2020, the average fuel gallon cost was $2.26. By 2021, it had risen to $3.10; in 2022, it soared to $4. These recent steep increases in the price have stretched Americans’ wallets to their limits.
One solution to this challenge is E15 gasoline, a type of fuel that is not only safe but also cheaper and cleaner than standard gasoline. As Americans continue to navigate a post-COVID economy, they would benefit from the year-round sale of E15 gasoline. However, old federal regulations prevent E15 from being sold in many parts of the country during summer. Congress must fix that to deliver lower gas prices for drivers.
E15 gasoline is 15 percent ethanol, an organic compound derived primarily from corn crops. When blended, petroleum and ethanol make a fuel that is ultimately cleaner and cheaper than traditional gasoline. This blend not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40 percent, contributing to a healthier environment, but also helps lower fuel prices.
E15 is at least 25 cents per gallon cheaper than E10, a gasoline composed of 10 percent ethanol that most Americans fill their cars with daily. In some cases, E15 is up to $1 cheaper per gallon than other types. According to the Brookings Institution, every dollar decrease in the price of gas saves low- to middle-income households $530 annually.
That’s not trivial. Most working-class families rely on cars to drive to and from work daily. We should not force workers to choose between buying gasoline and groceries. Unfortunately, that’s a reality for many.
Americans, especially, need legislation allowing year-round E15 sales because gas prices tend to rise during the summer months. Although gas prices have stabilized, this summer may still bring unpredictable increases. Experts say that unpredictable world events could drastically drive up prices. With geopolitical tensions abroad and extreme weather events increasing, gas prices could fluctuate quickly and hit consumers’ pockets. E15 legislation would help mitigate any unexpected price increases.
Unfortunately, an archaic, unreasonable law prevents the sale of E15 during the summer. Luckily, the Environmental Protection Agency recently issued a waiver permitting the sale of E15 gasoline during the summer. However commendable that action was, one fact remains: EPA waivers are unpredictable. Who knows what the EPA will decide next year or the year after. Congress shouldn’t leave it up to federal bureaucrats to determine when Americans can buy cheaper and cleaner fuel.
Congress should pass legislation permitting the year-round sale of E15 gasoline immediately so Americans can enjoy cheaper gasoline. Senate leaders can act to help provide this relief. Given the bipartisan support in Congress for year-round E15 sales, they should get this done.
