WASHINGTON, D.C., U.S. — The U.S. Supreme Court without comment declines to hear a challenge to the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) decision to approve higher ethanol blends for vehicles made in 2001 and later. 

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, Association of Global Automakers, the oil industry and other groups petitioned the court to overturn a ruling in the District of Columbia's Circuit Court of Appeals that none of the groups had legal standing to challenge EPA's approval of E15.

The justices' ruling means that E15 can be sold at gas stations nationwide. Currently the E15 blend is sold in about 20 stations. The American Petroleum Institute has argued that raising ethanol blends could damage automobiles and could raise fuel prices. 

“The Supreme Court’s decision today clears the way for more fuel options for U.S. drivers,” said POET Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Jeff Lautt said. “We think drivers deserve reliable choices at the pump. By denying the challenge from renewable fuel opponents to limit growth of clean, American-made fuel, those choices will be available to even more consumers.”

POET is one of the largest ethanol producers in the U.S.

Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) President and CEO Bob Dinneen said the uncertainty created by the lawsuit had chilled commercial activity.

“With this decision, E15 can finally become a meaningful option for more Americans,” he said.