The Environmental Protection Agency said today it has approved the use of E15 – a 15 percent ethanol blend for vehicles model year 2001 or newer - by registering E15 as a fuel.
The registration allows E15 to be introduced into the marketplace but does not require it. Fuel retailers will make that decision on their own – and must have a misfueling mitigation plan before they can sell E15 (EPA has a model plan companies can adopt). In some states, additional requirements may need to be met.
For more than 30 years ethanol has been blended into gasoline, but the law limited it to 10 percent (E10) by volume for use in gasoline-fueled vehicles. "Registration of ethanol to make E15 is a significant step toward its production, sale and use in model year 2001 and newer gasoline-fueled cars and light truck," EPA said today.
The registration comes some three years after March 2009 initial request by several ethanol organizations. More than 5,000 Nebraskans supported the petition in 2009 by sending yellow postcards to EPA.
To enable widespread use of E15, the Administration has set a goal to help fueling station owners install 10,000 blender pumps over the next five years – something the industry has itself been working on over the past couple of years.
EPA said today’s action "follows an extensive technical review required by law."
As of now, E15 is not permitted for use in motor vehicles built prior to 2001 model year and in off-road vehicles and equipment such as boats and lawn and garden equipment. Gas pumps dispensing E15 will also be labeled so consumers can make the right choice.
More information from EPA, go to EPA's E15 page here.
No comments:
Post a Comment