EPA's Pruitt Signals He Can Do E15

Embattled Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Scott Pruitt has told farmers this week the agency has the authority to allow the sale of gasoline containing higher blends of ethanol. "The Administrator shared that he believes statutory authority to grant the ... waiver for E15 exists under the Clean Air Act, and to be effective, would require a subsequent notice and comment rule making process," said EPA spokesman Lincoln Ferguson.But Pruitt in South Dakota Wednesday said the E15 move has been put "on pause."Pruitt also told farmers in South Dakota that he does not plan to reallocate Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) obligations that were waived for small refiners, indicating that the White House counsel reportedly questioned EPA’s authority on the matter. However, Pruitt did indicate they are moving up the timeline on the waiver process to complete those ahead of the finalization of Renewable Volume Obligations (RVOs) in November to adjust for those waivers.As for the RVOs, Pruitt signaled those would come "next week," making the comment that biodiesel/advanced biofuel backers would be "happy" with an announcement due next week.But, Pruitt also said that he did not agree that allowing Renewable Identification Numbers (RINs) on exported biofuel to qualify for RFS obligations would hurt ethanol demand, asking for data to back up that contention