RFA calls for E12 interim step
In the US the Renewable Fuels Association has called on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take the immediate interim step of moving to an E12 blend while it waits for the EPA to rule on the E15 waiver request.
The EPA is not required to do so until 1 December 2009.
Increasing the amount of ethanol blended into the nation’s fuel supply is both scientifically justified and economically prudent, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) asserts.
‘Already agreed upon science and ongoing research make clear the move to up to E15 blends is warranted,’ RFA President Bob Dinneen comments. ‘In addition, existing statutes allow EPA to take an interim step by approving the use of up to 12% ethanol blends.’
The RFA noted six recently completed research projects from the Coordinated Research Council (CRC), the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State University, and the American Petroleum Institute (API) that confirm the safe and effective use of higher ethanol blends.
In addition, the RFA notes that EPA already has the authority to immediately move to E12 blends while considering the entire E15 waiver. Specifically, EPA has authority to define E12 blends are ‘substantially similar’ to fuels used in certified motor vehicles, such as E10.
The basis for this conclusion is that the weight percentage of oxygen that EPA allows in oxygenated petrol actually equates to an oxygen percentage that would be present in E12 blends.
Since the voiced concerns regarding higher ethanol blends are largely based on the potential for increased oxygen content to cause issues with the engine, if oxygen content that would equate to 12% ethanol in petrol is already allowed, EPA has the legal authority to make a substantially similar finding for such blends under Section 211(f)(1).
Finally, the RFA recognises that EPA has the authority to limit a waiver to on-road applications.
‘Thus, to the extent EPA believes there is insufficient evidence to determine whether E15 emissions will cause or contribute to non-road vehicles and non-road engines failing to meet emission standards required for certification, EPA should still grant a waiver for E15, but limit such waiver to motor vehicles and motor vehicle engines,’ RFA writes.
The EPA is not required to do so until 1 December 2009.
Increasing the amount of ethanol blended into the nation’s fuel supply is both scientifically justified and economically prudent, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) asserts.
‘Already agreed upon science and ongoing research make clear the move to up to E15 blends is warranted,’ RFA President Bob Dinneen comments. ‘In addition, existing statutes allow EPA to take an interim step by approving the use of up to 12% ethanol blends.’
The RFA noted six recently completed research projects from the Coordinated Research Council (CRC), the University of Minnesota, Minnesota State University, and the American Petroleum Institute (API) that confirm the safe and effective use of higher ethanol blends.
In addition, the RFA notes that EPA already has the authority to immediately move to E12 blends while considering the entire E15 waiver. Specifically, EPA has authority to define E12 blends are ‘substantially similar’ to fuels used in certified motor vehicles, such as E10.
The basis for this conclusion is that the weight percentage of oxygen that EPA allows in oxygenated petrol actually equates to an oxygen percentage that would be present in E12 blends.
Since the voiced concerns regarding higher ethanol blends are largely based on the potential for increased oxygen content to cause issues with the engine, if oxygen content that would equate to 12% ethanol in petrol is already allowed, EPA has the legal authority to make a substantially similar finding for such blends under Section 211(f)(1).
Finally, the RFA recognises that EPA has the authority to limit a waiver to on-road applications.
‘Thus, to the extent EPA believes there is insufficient evidence to determine whether E15 emissions will cause or contribute to non-road vehicles and non-road engines failing to meet emission standards required for certification, EPA should still grant a waiver for E15, but limit such waiver to motor vehicles and motor vehicle engines,’ RFA writes.
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