API Downstream Director Frank Macchiarola has said lawmakers need to fix the outdated, broken Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) programme. Macchiarola said the House RFS hearing (22nd June) shows Congress is listening to consumers who do not want higher ethanol blends in their vehicles.
“Consumers’ interest should come ahead of ethanol interests,” said Macchiarola. “Higher ethanol blends, such as E15, can damage engines and fuel systems – potentially forcing drivers to pay for costly repairs, according to extensive testing by the auto and oil industries.”
According to AAA, approximately 90% of vehicles on the road today were not designed for E15. And automakers warn that using E15 could result in a voided new car warranty.
“The RFS could also impact prices at the pump. The Congressional Budget Office found that consumer gas prices could rise by US$0.26/gal. unless EPA lowers RFS mandates.
“We need Congress to repeal or significantly reform the RFS. Members on both sides of the aisle agree this programme is a failure, and we are stepping up our call for Congress to act.”
API is urging EPA to set the final ethanol mandate at no more than 9.7% of gasoline demand to ensure ethanol levels in gasoline stay below the 10% blend wall and meet strong consumer demand for ethanol-free gasoline.
Adapted from press release by Francesca Brindle