H.R. 4864: Ethanol for America Act of 2025

This bill, titled the Ethanol for America Act of 2025, aims to require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize a proposed rule concerning the labeling and compatibility of E15 fuel (which contains up to 15% ethanol) with underground storage tanks within a specified timeframe. The key components of the bill are as follows:

Definitions

The bill provides definitions for specific terms used, including:

• Administrator: Refers to the head of the Environmental Protection Agency.
• Proposed rule: Indicates a specific proposed EPA rule related to E15 fuel labeling and compatibility as published in the Federal Register.

Finalization of Proposed Rule

The bill mandates that the EPA Administrator must finalize the proposed rule within 90 days of the bill’s enactment. This includes:

• E15 Labeling Requirements: The EPA will finalize the labeling requirements for E15 fuel dispensers.
• Compatibility with Underground Storage Tanks: The bill requires the EPA to ensure that certain underground storage tanks are deemed compatible with the use of fuel blends containing up to 15% ethanol. This includes:
• Existing storage systems will be considered compliant even if documentation of installation or compatibility is not available.
• Tanks made of steel and fiberglass manufactured after July 2005, as well as fiberglass reinforced plastic piping, are automatically considered compatible with E15.
• If owners can demonstrate that specific components (like gaskets or seals) are compatible, they will not need to replace other parts to ensure the entire system meets compatibility requirements.

Future Storage Flexibility

The EPA must also ensure that owners of underground storage tanks intended for on-road vehicle fuel have the flexibility to store fuels that may include up to 100% ethanol. This will require that any new or replaced components in these tanks, like pipe dopes and sealants, are compatible with higher ethanol blends, regardless of what fuel blends are currently in use.

Summary of Requirements

• Finalization of the proposed rule regarding E15 labeling and compatibility with underground storage tanks is required within 90 days.
• Existing underground storage tanks will be deemed compliant with E15 use without the need for extensive documentation.
• Tanks meeting certain criteria will be automatically compatible with E15 fuel.
• Future components must be compatible with fuel blends containing up to 100% ethanol.

Relevant Companies

• DAL: Delta Air Lines might be impacted due to the aviation fuel specifications and potential shifts in fuel sourcing if ethanol blending increases in importance.
• CVX: Chevron Corporation could be affected by changes in fuel production and distribution practices due to evolving regulations regarding ethanol blends.
• XOM: Exxon Mobil may have to adapt to new regulatory environments regarding underground storage tanks and fuel compatibility impacting their operations.