More E15 Stalling from the EPA

Earlier this summer, senators who understand the value of ethanol pressed the Administration to stop delaying approval of greater ethanol use.

On Monday, August 2, we met with Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson and sought answers about the agency’s handling of ethanol and the waiver to allow blends of gasoline with 15 percent ethanol. 

Administrator Jackson confirmed that higher blends of ethanol, even if approved this fall, won’t be ready for sale to consumers until 2011.  This announcement is disappointing, especially coming from an administration that claims to be a friend to renewable fuels.

This delaying tactic began more than a year ago.  In an effort to increase the use of homegrown, renewable fuels, as well as meet the renewable fuel requirements set forth by Congress in 2007, a group of domestic ethanol producers filed a waiver petition with the EPA to allow for E15 use.  The agency was required by law to act on this request by December 2009 but has repeatedly delayed any action.

In addition to the delay, agency officials in the meeting confirmed that the Department of Energy is only testing higher ethanol blends in 2001 and newer vehicles.  During the meeting, the EPA and Department of Energy officials couldn’t give answers on why they are only testing newer vehicles.  Not only is this confusing for consumers, but it also doesn’t meet the common sense test.  Plenty of cars made before 2001 are on the road, so it’s hard to see why the testing of higher ethanol blends is so limited. 

Despite these concerns, it was encouraging to hear that federal agencies are taking some key steps regarding the testing and blending of gasoline with 20 percent ethanol.  I look forward to hearing from the EPA and the Department of Energy as testing continues.