00:00The U.S. government lifts a seasonal ban on corn-based fuel.
00:06Eight states will now have a year-round access to gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol
00:11after the Environmental Protection Agency scrapped a policy blocking summertime sales
00:17of the fuel called E15.
00:19The federal agency decided to permanently remove the regulations after several governors
00:23petitioned the EPA for unrestricted sales of the blended fuel throughout the year.
00:28In the past, the EPA shut down sales of E15 during the warmer months over concerns it
00:33contributed to smog in hot weather.
00:36But EPA officials now say the higher ethanol blend may actually lead to a small decrease
00:41in some emissions that cause smog.
00:43Proponents of the EPA's decision to keep the blended gasoline flowing all year say
00:48the increased supply would help lower prices at the pump because it would expand the amount
00:53of available fuel and help farmers.
00:55However, critics of the move to ditch the ban, including those in the refining industry,
01:00have voiced concerns, saying the piecemeal approach could lead to distribution challenges.
01:06The EPA's new policy is set to take effect next year.
