DEQ Extends Oregon’s temporary change to summertime fuel requirements
By Garrett Christensen on Thursday, June 11th, 2026 in More Top Stories Northeastern Oregon News
SALEM – (Press Release from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality) The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality has extended the temporary change to the state’s motor vehicle fuel standards to remain aligned with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s emergency fuel waiver. It has now been extended through June 29.
The original order was signed by Oregon DEQ Director Leah Feldon on May 19, after the Oregon Environmental Quality Commission, DEQ’s policy and rulemaking board, approved the temporary modification.
The Commission adopted the variance to provide clarity to fuel suppliers; help prevent potential fuel supply disruptions; and allow the sale of E15 gasoline during the 2026 summer season. It delegated authority to Director Feldon to allow for timely adjustments, if appropriate, should the EPA continue to extend, modify or end its waivers this summer.
Background
On March 25, 2026, the EPA issued Clean Air Act waivers allowing gasoline blends with up to 15% ethanol, also known as E15, and higher Reid Vapor Pressure levels. Additional waivers have since extended the adjustments, and further waivers are expected throughout the summer. These fuel blends are typically restricted during summer months to control air pollution from volatile organic compounds evaporating from gasoline.
Oregon’s fuel standard rules do not automatically adjust when federal regulations are waived. Without state action, suppliers faced conflicting fuel standards and possible uncertainty when planning fuel production and distribution for the summer season.
The temporary change allows, but does not require, fuel suppliers to offer E15 and higher volatility gasoline blends during the federal waiver period.
For additional information, please visit DEQ’s Fuel Variance web page.
For technical questions about Oregon’s motor vehicle fuel standards and the temporary waiver, please email Bill Peters at bill.n.peters@deq.oregon.gov.
