The waiver applies to fuel containing up to 15 percent ethanol, known as E15. EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson, said that testing "has now shown that E15 does not harm emissions control equipment in newer cars and light trucks." The EPA expects a decision on the use of E15 in vehicles with model year 2001 to 2006 in November. EPA is also taking steps to help consumers identify the correct fuel, by proposing pump labeling requirements.
The New York Times reports that "oil producers, gasoline retailers and the makers of gasoline-powered equipment denounced the decision." Additionally, environmental advocates are mixed in their opinions about ethanol. "Ethanol production consumes prodigious quantities of natural gas, diesel fuel and other inputs that lead to carbon dioxide emissions" and it raises the price of corn which "diverts farmland that could be used for growing crops for human consumption." Automakers are fearful that the higher blend with damage vehicle engines.
Additionally, there are practical barriers to the widespread availability of E15. John Eichberger, a spokesman for the National Association of Convenience Stores, said that before E15 could be sold, other state and federal regulations would need to change. He also said that they do not have the infrastructure to sell E15 at this point and they do not have consumers ready to buy the product.
To read the EPA News Release, click here.
To read the New York Times story, click here.
Posted: 10/14/2010
