Ethanol proposal could damage engines

Leading industry voices raised concerns regarding the EPA’s proposed biofuel mandates under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) last week, warning that higher ethanol mandates could damage vehicles and raise food costs.

Jack Gerard, API President and CEO commented, “the problem with EPA’s biofuel proposal is the assumption of growing demand for high ethanol fuel that consumers simply don’t want. High ethanol fuels that EPA is pushing are not compatible with most cars on the road today, and they could potentially put American consumers and their vehicles at risk.”

Most cars are only approved by the manufacturer to use ethanol blends of 10% or less. Extensive testing by the auto oil industries shows that higher ethanol blends can damage engines and fuel systems, potentially leaving drivers stranded.

Rob Green, Executive Director, National Council of Chain Restaurants said, “clearly the EPA has failed in making long term structural changes to ease the increasing burden the RFS places on the food supply chain and commodity prices. It is past time for Congress to recognise that the RFS is a broken policy and approve pending legislation in the House and Senate that would repeal the corn ethanol mandate. America’s consumers, diners and restaurants should not continue to pay the price for the EPA’s negligence and Congress’ inaction.”

Former Senator Wayne Allard, VP of Government Affairs, American Motorcyclist Association said, “EPA is proposing federal grants and price controls to increase amounts of the higher than E10 ethanol blended fuels into the marketplace, but the market should dictate demand and let the consumer choose the proper fuel for each vehicle. Consumers want E0 for their motorcycles, ATVs, boats, lawn mowers and other equipment because it does not pose the risk of engine and fuel system damage. Yet, the renewable fuels requirements have marginalised the product in favour of E10 or higher blends.”

Edited from press release by Claira Lloyd

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/clean-fuels/24062015/ethanol-proposal-comments/