National 25x'25 Steering Committee commends EPA on decision to approve E15 fuel for 2007 and newer vehicles, urges agency to reach quick decision to approve higher ethanol blend gasoline for older vehicles
Rachel Carter
WASHINGTON
,
October 14, 2010
(press release)
–
The National 25x'25 Steering Committee today commended the EPA for approving fuel blends of up to 15 percent ethanol (E15) for model year 2007 and newer cars and light trucks. Based on extensive testing conducted by the Department of Energy and other available data, the EPA has used sound science to determine that fuels containing up to 15 percent ethanol do not harm emissions control equipment in newer cars and light trucks.
Today's EPA announcement represents an important interim step in the continuing development of a U.S. biofuels industry that creates thousands of jobs, boosts the economy and reduces our dependence on foreign oil. However, the DOE continues to test the use of E15 in 2001 model vehicles and later, and the Steering Committee urges EPA to finalize its analysis and reach a quick decision on the use of E15 for those vehicles as well. Policy makers in Washington are also urged to address and adopt those incentives that can boost the ethanol market through the installation of more blender pumps and the addition of more flex-fuel vehicles to our nation's automotive fleet.
According to industry sources, allowing higher ethanol blends would produce a new ethanol demand that could displace more than 200 million barrels of imported oil. It would create more than 136,000 new jobs in the United States, and help revitalize our rural communities. The future of sustainable transportation fuels in this country rests on the decisions made by EPA and lawmakers that can expand the use of ethanol. Today's move demonstrates the commitment the Obama administration has made in the biofuels industry and will help keep America in the lead of the race for a clean energy future.
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