EPA’s decision on E15 postponed
October this year saw the US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) increase the blending limit of ethanol to E15 for vehicles made after 2006. Now the EPA’s decision on whether the same E15 blend can be used in cars and light trucks manufactured between 2001 and 2006 is to be delayed until January next year.
The EPA was expected to give its decision in December. However, according to the Energy Department, mechanical failures which occurred in test vehicles mean that the further testing required will not be complete until the end of December. ‘EPA will make its decision shortly after receiving that data,’ the agency commented.
The testing problems were not fuel-related and it was reported that a leak in the exhaust was affecting emission levels. It was also claimed that spark plugs were not properly replaced. As a result testing on older vehicles continues.
‘We are encouraged by EPA’s commitment to accurate testing for 2001-2006 cars and pickup trucks, particularly given the failures are unrelated to the fuel being tested,’ said Bob Dinneen, RFA president and CEO. ‘We encourage EPA to extend such due diligence to testing for all cars and pickups, regardless of age. We believe the fuel testing to date clearly demonstrates efficiency of E15 as a motor fuel for all light duty vehicles.’
The EPA was expected to give its decision in December. However, according to the Energy Department, mechanical failures which occurred in test vehicles mean that the further testing required will not be complete until the end of December. ‘EPA will make its decision shortly after receiving that data,’ the agency commented.
The testing problems were not fuel-related and it was reported that a leak in the exhaust was affecting emission levels. It was also claimed that spark plugs were not properly replaced. As a result testing on older vehicles continues.
‘We are encouraged by EPA’s commitment to accurate testing for 2001-2006 cars and pickup trucks, particularly given the failures are unrelated to the fuel being tested,’ said Bob Dinneen, RFA president and CEO. ‘We encourage EPA to extend such due diligence to testing for all cars and pickups, regardless of age. We believe the fuel testing to date clearly demonstrates efficiency of E15 as a motor fuel for all light duty vehicles.’
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