Trump announces move to remove E15 summer ban

At a campaign rally in Iowa on Tuesday, US president Donald Trump announced a move to lift the summertime ban on E15.

Trump has asked the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to remove the ban, with sales of this type of gasoline that contains 15% ethanol, expected to be allowed next summer.

"We are unleashing the power of E15 to fuel our country all year long, not eight months," he was cited as saying by the Washington Times.

The EPA currently bans E15 sales during the summer, due to concerns it exacerbates smog.

The change was welcomed by industry groups. "We thank President Trump for formally initiating the process to eliminate this antiquated, red-tape laden regulation, and look forward to the full resolution of this issue before next summer’s driving season," said Geoff Cooper, president and chief executive of the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA).

According to RFA, the removal of the ban is expected to rapidly expand the availability of E15 across the country. E15 is now sold at more than 1,300 retail stations in 29 states.

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