EPA Approves E15 Gasoline as Gas Prices Jump on STX
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EPA Approves E15 Gasoline as Gas Prices Jump on STX
M.A. Dworkin
St. Croix - As gas prices at the pump on St. Croix have suddenly jumped around 70 cents per gallon, The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Administrator Lee Zeldin, in consultation with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and in accordance with the Clean Air Act (CAA) issued a temporary emergency fuel waiver on March 25, 2026, to allow the nationwide sale of E15, gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol.
E15 is a safe and increasingly common fuel, currently sold at over 3,000 gas stations nationwide in 31 states, and often sold under the name “Unleaded 88.” E15 is not the most common “normal” gas, which is E10 (10% ethanol). It is approved for 2001 and newer vehicles, including cars, trucks, and SUVs, but not for older vehicles, motorcycles, or small engines. It is generally 88 octane (higher than the standard 87) and typically costs less per gallon than standard E10.
The temporary waiver also includes removing all federal impediments to selling E10 which include certain environmental and regulatory restrictions under the CAA.
Through the waiver, the EPA is acting to fortify the domestic gasoline supply chain and provide Americans relief at the pumps ahead of the summer driving season. Beginning on May 1, 2026, the EPA waivers will work to prevent disruption in America’s fuel supply by keeping E15 on the market and giving Americans more fuel options. By issuing the waiver notice over a month before it is implemented the EPA believes it will give ample time to allow fuel industry stakeholders to transition the fuel into the distribution system.
Although it is too early to tell, it is generally believed that if gas prices continue to climb in the USVI, E15 will become available at the pumps of many gas stations.
