U.S. EPA gave partial approval to allowing the sale of E15 fuel for vehicles built from 2007 on.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today waived a limitation on selling 15 percent ethanol–known as E15–for cars and light trucks 2007 or newer.Last month, a controversy brewed over whether vehicles older 2007, or 2001, would be cleared to use E15, based on tests. The organization, Follow the Science, said the 50 percent increase in ethanol could damage catalytic converters in older vehicles, as well as engines of boats, motorcycles, ATVs, snowmobiles, chainsaws, lawnmowers, and other gas-powered lawn equipment. The EPA made the decision after a review of the Department of Energy’s (DOE’s) extensive testing of E15′s impact on engine durability and emissions. Thorough testing made by the EPA shows that E15 does not harm newer vehicles catalytic converters, and that additional testing is being conducted to determine if E15 can be used on older vehicles. A decision on the use of E15 for 2001-2006 vehicles will be made by November of this year. To prevent any confusion at the gas pump, the EPA is proposing E15 labeling requirements, including a requirement that the fuel industry specify the ethanol content of gasoline sold to retailers. There would also be a quarterly survey of retail stations to help ensure their gas pumps are properly labeled. Good news for ethanol manufacturers and the farmers that supply them with the corn.
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