The EPA announced Friday its approval for the use of lower-cost and lower-emission E15, which is gasoline blended with 15% ethanol (often marketed as Unleaded 88).

This after Governor Kelly, The National Corn Growers Association and Kansas Corn Grower Association advocated for the move.

EPA approved 15 percent ethanol blends, or E15, in 2011 for use in all 2001 and newer vehicles, which account for more than 96 percent of vehicles on the road today. Retailers have increased availability of E15 to offer consumers choice and lower fuel costs, as well as increase the fuel supply.

According to the EPA, the action will provide Americans with relief at the pump from ongoing market supply issues, created in part by the war in Ukraine, by increasing fuel supply and offering consumers more choices at the pump. The waiver will help protect Americans from fuel supply crises by reducing reliance on imported fossil fuels, building U.S. energy independence, and supporting American agriculture and manufacturing.

Continued access to E15 during the summer months will help relieve ongoing fuel supply pressures. When EPA took similar action last year, drivers saved nearly a dollar per gallon in some locations and an average of 23 cents per gallon during the summer months, according to data from the Minnesota Department of Commerce.

Moreover, allowing uninterrupted E15 sales keeps a lower-emission fuel in the marketplace. In addition to being lower in carbon emissions, E15 has lower volatility than regular fuel, which is a 10% ethanol blend, and using E15 results in lower evaporative and exhaust emissions, important during the summer driving season.