President Trump puts ‘I did it’ sticker on gas pump, could be a call back to Biden
When gas prices hit record highs under the Biden administration, stickers with his photo and the words “I did it” were placed on gas pumps. Now they have Trump’s face.
- The Trump administration has authorized the sale of E15 gasoline nationwide in an effort to curb rising gasoline prices.
- E15 is a 15% ethanol blend and is generally cheaper than standard E10 gasoline.
- The EPA says E15 is safe for most cars manufactured after 2001, but not for older cars, motorcycles, or small engines.
The Trump administration is moving to allow the sale of gasoline containing ethanol to combat the soaring gasoline prices that upset many Americans during an election year.
In a statement released Wednesday, March 25, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced that it has “issued a temporary emergency fuel exemption to allow the nationwide sale of E15, a 15% ethanol blended gasoline, and to remove all federal impediments to the nationwide sale of E10, a 10% ethanol blended gasoline.”
The agency announced that the exemption will begin on May 1, 2026 and last until May 20, 2026. The EPA said the maximum time period under which further use of ethanol gas can be allowed under the Clean Air Act is 20 days.
“EPA is working with our federal partners to reduce unnecessary costs and uncertainties and keep gasoline prices affordable for all Americans through the summer,” EPA Administrator Zeldin said in a statement. “This emergency measure will provide relief to American families by increasing fuel supplies and consumer choice.”
The EPA’s announcement comes as the average cost of gasoline rose from an average of $3.88 per gallon on March 16 to $3.98 per gallon on Thursday, March 26, according to the AAA Auto Club.
What is E10 and E15 gas?
E10 is 10% ethanol blended gasoline, and E15 is 15% ethanol blended gasoline. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, most finished motor gasoline sold in the United States is E10, and most of the E15 gas currently available in the United States is sold in the Midwest.
The EPA said E15 is now offered at more than 3,000 gas stations across the country, and the agency said it is a “more affordable option for Americans.”
Regarding the May 1 exemption decision, the agency said, “Without this measure, approximately half of the country will not be able to use E15 gasoline this summer.”
Environmental groups have previously criticized the idea of increasing the use of ethanol in gas, saying it emits the same harmful pollutants as regular gas.
How much does E15 gas cost?
The average price of E15 is not tracked as closely as the price of regular gasoline. A 2023 study conducted by the Renewable Fuels Association showed that drivers can save about 25 cents per gallon when using E15 gas.
According to the study, the last time national gasoline prices approached $4 per gallon, regular E10 averaged $3.68 per gallon and E15 averaged $3.41 per gallon.
Can E15 gas damage my car?
According to the EPA, E15 gas can be used in flexible fuel vehicles and most vehicles manufactured after 2001.
The agency said E15 gas cannot be used in the following types of vehicles:
- On-highway and non-road bikes.
- Vehicles with large engines such as school buses, transit buses, and delivery trucks.
- Non-road vehicles such as boats and snowmobiles.
- Engines of off-road equipment such as lawn mowers and chainsaws. or
- Passenger cars, light trucks, and medium-sized passenger cars from the 2000 model year onwards.
Consumer Reports said in a post on its website that it agrees with the EPA’s position that E15 gasoline is safe for most modern vehicles, but the group said drivers should “check the manufacturer’s manual for the type of fuel recommended” before using the cheaper fuel at the pump this summer.
“If your car is a 2001 model or older, you’ll find that the most common regular gasoline blend in the United States recommends no more than 10 percent ethanol. One tank of E15 won’t destroy your car, but it will take a toll over time,” Consumer Reports said.
