Groups challenging EPA’s E15 waiver

Warning that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is unnecessarily putting consumers at risk, the American Petroleum Institute (API) was joined on 11^th March by nine other groups in filing a federal court challenge to the agency’s authorisation to allow E15 in 2001 – 2006 model year vehicles.

Comment

‘The EPA’s decision improperly authorises an increase in ethanol content of gasoline from 10% to 15%,’ said API Director of Downstream Operations Bob Greco. ‘EPA’s second E15 waiver was based on just as shaky, if not shakier, legal and technical grounds than the first waiver decision. EPA’s waiver decisions are premature, lack statutory authority and put consumers at risk.’

Testing

The EPA decision comes before the completion of thorough testing by the automobile and oil industries to ensure the safety and performance impacts of the new fuel for consumers. Testing results so far have revealed potential safety and performance problems with E15 that could affect consumers and the investments they’ve made in their automobiles.

‘This testing has not been completed, and until it is, EPA has no business pushing this potentially risky fuel mixture into American consumers’ gas tanks,’ Greco said.

The US oil and natural gas industry is the largest consumer of ethanol and other biofuels and remains committed to the use of renewable fuels in our energy mix.

‘API supports a realistic and workable Renewable Fuel Standard and the responsible introduction of increased biofuels in a manner than protects consumers,’ Greco said. ‘However, we cannot rush to allow more ethanol before we know it is safe for consumers.’

The coalition

The coalition, which in addition to the API, includes Grocery Manufacturers Association, American Frozen Food Institute, American Mean Institute, National Chicken Council, National council of Chain restaurants of the National Retail Federation, National Meat Association, National Pork Producers Council, National Turkey Federation and Snack Food Association, was filed with the Court of Appeals for the DC Circuit. The filing on 11^th March supplements a filing in November 2010 in the EPA’s original waiver allowing E15 in 2007 and newer model year vehicles.

Read the article online at: https://www.hydrocarbonengineering.com/gas-processing/14032011/groups_challenging_epa%E2%80%99s_e15_waiver/