Mike Pearson tells listeners how this is the third year in a row that the EPA has approved an emergency waiver for this summer for the sale of E-15-- a fuel blende with up to 15 percent ethanol.

The decision was made last week ahead of a May 1 deadline that would have halted sales was welcomed by farm groups and biofuel groups who say sales E-15 are 25 cents cheaper per gallon than E-10 the most common blend found in the USA.

In the statement, the EPA say they granted a waived in response to the ongoing global tensions, specifically Ukraine and the Middle East.

This decision proved relief at the pump, helps reduce our alliance on foreign oil and bolster U.S. energy independence.

Emily Score, the CEO of Growth Energy and Ethanol Trade Producer Association, says the waiver will act as a shield against volatile fuel costs and help more hard working families benefit from E-15 which has been saving drivers 10-30 cents a gallon.

In response to potential environmental concerns over the fuel, the EPA says no significant impact on air quality from using E15 during the summer months.

This is backed up by another recent decision backed by the agency, which will allow permanent year round, sales of the fuel in 8 Midwestern states beginning in 2025.

For biofuels, proponents both of those decisions provide immediate benefits but the confusing regulatory patchwork for the fuels remains a long term stumbling block.

Jeff Cooper, president of renewable fuels, believes congress needs to act and believes the market place needs long term security on the road, drivers appear more confident with E15 as sales have more than doubled since 2020.

The number of stations offering fuel has climbed by 2,000.

Following the E15 decision, Harold Wolle, National Corn Growers Association, says the EPA decision was goodness for corn growers and rural America.

Farm Progress America is a daily look at key issues in agriculture. It is produced and presented by Mike Pearson, farm broadcaster and host of This Week in Agribusiness.