E15 SECURES FINAL REGULATORY VICTORY

Jun 18, 2012  |  Today's News

Last week, E15 received its final regulatory approval and is now approved for sale.  The Environmental Protection Agency approved a plan submitted by the ethanol industry to address residual E15 left in the hose after fueling.  There was a concern by US EPA that consumers could get a higher blend of ethanol than what they wished because of the residual fuel.

In Illinois, the Illinois Renewable Fuels Association and Illinois Corn continue to work on state legislation to provide incentives for the sale of higher blends of ethanol.  In fact, our proposed changes would adjust the state legislation to provide an incentive for the sale of the highest blend allowable by the US EPA.

In other states, different obstacles exist preventing the widespread adoption of the higher blend.  Additionally, opposition by some members of Congress could prevent consumers from having the choice to fuel up using more renewable fuel.

“This announcement is one more victory on the way to the finish line,” said Jeff Scates, Shawneetown, IL family farmer and Illinois Corn Growers Association President.  “The finish line is decreased dependence on foreign oil, more environmentally friendly fuels, and cost-savings for U.S. consumers.  The public has the right to choose all of these things when they choose to fill up with E15 and I look forward to the day when that choice is offered to them in the marketplace.”

“The ethanol industry is grateful for the support from the White House and the numerous agencies involved in bringing this fuel to the marketplace.  Clearly this administration understands that ethanol plays a significant role in reducing our dependence on foreign oil,” statement issued by the Renewable Fuels Association and Growth Energy.

“At USDA, we applaud today’s action by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that essentially completes the federal actions necessary to allow consumers to buy fuel containing up to 15 percent ethanol (E15).  This announcement gets us one step closer to giving American consumers a real choice at the pump.  It also supports the “all-of-the-above” energy strategy, including production of renewable biofuels, implemented by the Obama Administration to help wean us off of imported oil,” statement issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.