In hopes of expanding sales of gasoline with a 15 percent biofuel blend, ethanol trade groups are putting pressure on the EPA as well as Congress, says DTN. Their immediate goal is approval by the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee of a bill to waive a fuel volatility rule, which would allow the sale of E15 during the summer.
The industry contends that use of E15 during the summer will reduce tailpipe emissions; biofuels produce less carbon monoxide than petroleum but they also create nitrous oxides. Biofuels groups say E15 will allow larger sales of renewable fuels and make room in the market for cellulosic ethanol, a second-generation fuel made from woody plants.
Along with seeking congressional action on E15, the industry told EPA that President Trump’s directive to remove unnecessary and job-killing regulations should include the current limit against E15 from June 1-Sept. 15, said DTN. It quoted Bob Dinneen of the Renewable Fuels Association as saying, “Simply put, consumers are being denied access to a lower-cost, higher octane fuel simply because of antiquated EPA regulations that offer absolutely no environmental benefit.”