The EPA expanded its approval of E15 fuel (gasoline blended with 15% ethanol) to include cars and light trucks from model years from 2001 to 2006, which means the government now says the blend is safe for more than 60% of the vehicles on U.S. roads. The previous maximum blend was 10%, and E10 is now the standard in much of the U.S.
"Recently completed testing and data analysis show that E15 does not harm emissions control equipment in newer cars and light trucks," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson.
In October, the EPA had approved E15 for vehicles 2007 and newer -- and rejected it for 2000 and older . In its statement today the EPA said approval is not expected this year for motorcycles, heavier-duty vehicles and non-road engines, such as lawn mowers, and that more testing is needed. The decision has no effect on the sale of E85 -- ethanol with a little gas -- sold mostly in the Midwest and suitable only in so-called "flex-fuel" vehicles designed for it.
Why you shouldn't expect to see E15 at your local gas station any time soon:
Still to come from the EPA are rules on labeling and handling for stations so you don't accidentally put E15 in your Lawn Boy, chain saw or '96 Impala. Unknown, too, is whether many station operators will want to bother with extra hassle and cost of the signs and new pumps.
The decision is a big win for the ethanol and corn lobbies (corn being the major ethanol base here), who had petitioned the EPA to OK E15. It's a loss for automakers, who still fear damage to engines, fuel and emissions systems from the added ethanol because it's more corrosive and burns hotter than gasoline. And it's a blow to cattle ranchers and food companies, who say using corn for ethanol raises food prices, and eco-advocacy groups, who oppose using more land to grow corn.
The Obama folks still back ethanol as a renewable fuel and Congress has required increasing the use of biofuels, mainly ethanol. The EPA has said that law can't be met without increasing the allowed gasoline/ethanol blend.
By Fred Meier, USA TODAY
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