The AFPM lauds proposed legislation recently introduced by Rep James Sensenbrenner (R-WI) that would effectively halt the sale of gasoline blends containing more than 10% ethanol. The bill would prohibit the sale of so called mid level ethanol blends, duels containing more than E10 and up to E20, into the general fuel supply pending a comprehensive assessment of the impact of such fuels on all gasoline engines, vehicular and non-road.
The bill, called H.R. 875, would halt an EPA waiver that allowed for the sale of E15 gasoline in cars made in 2001 and later. It would also prohibit the EPA from granting any waivers aimed at overriding a provision of the Clean Air Act preventing the introduction of any fuel that could adversely affect the ability of vehicles and engines to meet emission standards.
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‘It defies logic to allow the introduction of E15 for sale into the general fuel supply. Independent studies have shown that E15 can damage multiple classes of engines, leaving consumers vulnerable to costly repairs and potential safety hazards, and companies unnecessarily exposed to lawsuits,’ said AFPM President Charles T. Drevna.
‘EPA inappropriately approved a fuel that has not been extensively tested for use in the entire fleet of existing vehicles and engines. The Agency also failed to consider that E15 could potentially damage billions of dollars of gasoline refuelling infrastructure in this country. Rep. Sensenbrenner’s bill is a welcome remedy and highlights just one of the many problems that beset the entire RFS program,’ Drevna continued.
‘While regulations can’t change the laws of chemistry, physics or economics, Congress can mitigate EPA’s overly aggressive agenda by repealing the unworkable RFS program,’ Drevna concluded.
Edited from press release by Claira Lloyd.