Ethanol legislation
AFPM President Charles T. Drevna welcomed the passage by House Committee of legislation that would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a scientific and technical analysis to determine if introducing increased ethanol into the US fuel supply is safe.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis) was approved on 7th February in a 19-7 vote by the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.
EPA has approved a 50% increase in the amount of ethanol allowed to be blended in gasoline for use in cars and light trucks manufactured since the 2001 model year, going from the current 10% ethanol (E10) to 15% ethanol (E15), even though scientific testing of E15 has not been completed or fully analysed.
‘Our members want to continue manufacturing safe, reliable and proven fuels that meet the highest quality standards to serve the American people,’ Drevna said. ‘We don’t want American consumers and the engines that power their vehicles and equipment to be used as guinea pigs in a giant science experiment. The safety of ethanol beyond the current 10% blend should be clearly established before higher ethanol levels are approved.’
AFPM was one of 31 groups representing food and agricultural interests, the auto industry, other manufacturers and environmentalists signing a letter to the chairman and ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology in support of the Sensenbrenner bill.
Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/08022012/ethanol_legislation/
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