Ethanol for America Act of 2025
The Ethanol for America Act of 2025 directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize a 2021 proposed rule on E15 fuel dispenser labeling and the compatibility of underground storage tanks (USTs) with ethanol blends, with several modifications. The bill requires completion within 90 days of enactment and focuses on two areas: (1) labeling for E15 (gasoline with up to 15% ethanol) at fuel dispensers, adopting the first co-proposal from the 2021 rule; and (2) UST compatibility with E15. The proposed rule would ease existing-storage requirements for 15% ethanol blends, set automatic compatibility for certain older and newer tanks and components, and establish future flexibility to accommodate fuels with up to 100% ethanol for new installations or replacements after the rule takes effect. In short, the bill aims to remove regulatory barriers to E15 adoption by clarifying labeling and strengthening (or standardizing) UST compatibility rules.
Key Points
- 1Not later than 90 days after enactment, EPA must finalize the proposed rule on E15 labeling and UST compatibility (as described in 86 Fed. Reg. 5094, January 19, 2021).
- 2For E15 labeling, EPA must finalize the first co-proposal described in the 2021 proposed rule.
- 3E15 compatibility with underground storage tanks:
- 4- Existing UST systems are deemed compliant with up to 15% ethanol, even if owners lack installation or compatibility documentation.
- 5- Steel and fiberglass USTs manufactured after July 2005 and all fiberglass reinforced plastic piping are considered compatible with up to 15% ethanol.
- 6- If owners can demonstrate compatibility of certain components (e.g., gaskets or seals) with up to 15% ethanol, they are not required to replace other equipment to achieve full system compatibility.
- 7Future storage flexibility: new or replaced components after the rule’s effective date must be compatible with blends up to 100% ethanol, ensuring that systems stored for motor fuels can handle higher-ethanol fuels in the future.