Ban on Sale of 15 Percent Ethanol Gas Lifted

A ban on the sale of gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol during the summer months has been lifted, allowing the fuel to be sold year-round.

According to reports, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will publish a rule allowing high ethanol “E 15” blends to be sold during the summer. Sale of E 15 had previously been restricted in summer months due to concerns over excessive smog. Gasoline normally contains 10 percent ethanol.

The ban lift comes as a relief to corn farmers, who have pushed for looser restrictions on the fuel. Lifting the ban did have opposition from some groups, including the American Petroleum Institute (API). Critics say E 15 blends can cause harm to engines and ruin older cars.