Hey folks,
Every once in a while, the government actually does something that might help the average person — and it looks like we just got one of those moves.
The EPA just issued an emergency waiver to allow E15 gasoline to be sold nationwide this summer.
What’s E15?
It’s gasoline blended with 15% ethanol — a higher ethanol content than the standard E10 most drivers are used to.
It’s cheaper at the pump, thanks to ethanol, which is mostly made from American corn.
But because ethanol burns a little differently than pure gasoline, E15 is normally banned in about half the country from May 1st to mid-September.
Why? Regulators have worried that, in hotter temperatures, E15 could contribute to higher smog levels.
But this year, with fuel prices still squeezing consumers and the economy trying to find footing, the EPA stepped in to waive the summer restrictions.
The result? Gasoline futures dropped about 4 cents per gallon on the news.
Now, 4 cents might not sound like a lot, but spread across millions of gallons every day over the whole summer season, that’s real savings.
It’s also good news for American fuel producers, who get to move more domestic product into the market instead of relying as much on foreign imports.
The Bottom Line
This move could relieve some pressure at the pump, soften the edge of inflation reports, and maybe — just maybe — give Americans a little breathing room during peak driving season.
When energy policy quietly shifts, the effects ripple far wider than most people realize.
Stay sharp,
—Geof
P.S. Energy markets are shifting fast — and I just broke down what’s really happening behind the scenes in my latest live session. Click here to get the details now — plus how I’m playing it!
