June 24 (Reuters) – President Donald Trump will include a provision allowing year-round sales of gasoline containing higher volumes of ethanol in a supplemental funding bill on Wednesday, according to a U.S. official, reviving a long-sought priority of the biofuels industry.
While Trump has long backed year-round sales of gasoline blended with 15% ethanol, the decision marks the first formal push by his White House to enact the policy and signals a willingness to challenge U.S. refiners that have opposed the measure over concerns it could raise costs and complicate fuel distribution.
Gasoline containing 10% ethanol can already be sold year-round, but sales of the 15% blend, known as E15, have been restricted during the summer because the fuel evaporates more readily in hot weather and can contribute to smog.
Federal rules generally require retailers to switch to more expensive formulations during the summer unless the government grants emergency waivers.
(Reporting By Jarrett Renshaw; Editing by Chris Reese and David Gaffen)
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