Source: Growth Energy news release
WASHINGTON D.C.–nGrowth Energy, the nation’s largest biofuels trade association, announced that Americans could potentially save more than $10.1 billion in fuel costs this summer thanks to an emergency waiver issued earlier this year by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The waiver allowed for the continued sale of E15, a fuel blend made with 15% American ethanol that costs less than ordinary fuel and can be used in 96% of cars on the road today. If American drivers chose E15 (also sold as Unleaded 88) instead of standard E10 fuel this summer, they could collectively save more than $10.1 billion, according to Growth Energy’s analysis.
“Access to E15 is a win for American drivers and for American energy dominance,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “This summer alone, E15 could save consumers $10.1 billion at the pump -โฏthat’s money that could go back in the pockets of working families. We should never put those savings on hold. With a temporary waiver in place, it’s time for Congress to finally pass permanent legislation that provides unrestricted access to E15 – all months, all states, all stations, and all fuel dispensers.”
The projection reinforces previous findings that underscore E15’s significant cost benefits for American drivers. Growth Energy also calculated savings on a state-by-state basis, where the savings are equally significant. By choosing E15 at the pump instead of E10 over the course of the summer (June 1 through mid-September):
In Iowa, drivers could potentially save up to $140 million.
In Nebraska, they could potentially save up to $93 million.
In Minnesota, they could potentially save up to $252 million.
In Wisconsin, they could potentially save up to $295 million.
In Illinois, they could potentially save up to $436 million.
Similar savings could be found across the country, delivering relief for working families while creating jobs and spurring growth in the rural economy.
The EPA hasโฏapprovedโฏthe use of E15 in all cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) made in model year 2001 and newer. E15/Unleaded 88 can be found at more than 4,200 gas stations in 33 states. Last summer, with access to E15, drivers saved 10 to 30 cents per gallon by filling up with this fuel option compared to regular, or E10. In some areas, E15 saved drivers as much as a dollar per gallon at the pump.
Background
E15–also sold as Unleaded 88–is a fuel blend made with 15% American-made ethanol. It has a lower emissions profile and costs less than E10, the standard fuel in the U.S., made with 10% ethanol.
Research shows that if the country were to make E15 its standard fuel, it would:
Reduce consumer spending on motor fuel by $20.6 billion annually and save the average American household $168 on motor fuel costs.
Generate $66.3 billion of value-added output (GDP) to the U.S. economy.
Support nearly 555,000 jobs in all sectors of the economy, including 188,417 new jobs attributable to E15 replacing E10.
Put an additional $36.3 billion in income into the pockets of American households.
Generate an additional $7 billion in tax revenue for the Federal Treasury and $6 billion for State and local governments.
ABOUT GROWTH ENERGY
Growth Energy is the leading voice of America’s biofuel industry. Our members operate and support biomanufacturing facilities at the heart of America’s bioeconomy, delivering a new generation of clean fuel options. For more information, visit us at GrowthEnergy.org, follow us on X (formerly Twitter) at @GrowthEnergy, or connect with us on Facebook.
