The following is a press release from the American Coalition for Ethanol:
U.S. Department of Energy testing on the use of up to 15 percent ethanol-blended fuel (E15) has been completed for 2001 to 2006 model year vehicles, leading to an approval today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for E15 use in 2001 and newer vehicles. In October of last year, EPA approved up to E15 for use in 2007 and newer vehicles.
Brian Jennings, Executive Vice President of the American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), released the following statement:
“EPA’s decision today approving the use of E15 in all 2001 model year and newer cars and light-duty trucks is another important step in making more renewable fuel choices available to consumers. ACE continues to be confident that the scientific evidence proves E15 is safe and reliable for all cars, and is disappointed that EPA continues to insist of this confusing model-year division, especially when models earlier than 2000 are being excluded without scientific evidence of any issues with using E15 in those vehicles.
“Practical hurdles must still be overcome, particularly E15 labeling, yet this decision should someday result in additional market access for ethanol-blended fuel and will have a more meaningful impact on moving the demand needle since vehicles 2001 and newer represent nearly 60 percent of the U.S. vehicle fleet. To make sure that consumers do not continue to be mislead by those who want to protect the oil industry’s 90 percent gasoline mandate, EPA must also inform consumers that this decision was the result of extensive testing – testing that has delayed this decision nearly two years – and that motorists can feel confident that they can safely use cleaner burning E15 in their vehicles.
“We are pleased with this positive step, but remain concerned about the unnecessary confusion that will unfortunately be caused by EPA’s piecemeal, partial-waiver approach. We restate what we said on October 13, 2010, that EPA should act swiftly to approve the use of E15 in all vehicles. With gas prices set to rise significantly in 2011, more ethanol-blended fuel via E15 will help keep fuel prices affordable for all Americans.
“ACE will also continue to push aggressively for policies that accelerate the roll-out of Flexible Fuel Vehicles (FFVs) and blender pumps so that motorists can have more meaningful and cost-effective choices at the pump.”
The American Coalition for Ethanol is a national advocacy association for the U.S. ethanol industry, representing grassroots members across the country. For more information, visit www.ethanol.org.
Source: American Coalition for Ethanol
Posted by Haylie Shipp
