API, AFPM leaders ask Trump not to let EPA extend RVP waiver to E15

The presidents of the American Petroleum Institute and American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers expressed their concerns to US President Donald Trump about the Environmental Protection Agency possibly extending the 1 lb Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) waiver to motor fuel with 15% ethanol.

API Pres. Mike Summers and AFPM Pres. Chet Thompson cited recent reports that EPA is preparing to extend the waiver with minor changes in the trading of Renewable Identification Numbers (RIN), EPA’s mechanism by which refiners and blenders can buy credits to help them meet quotas under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

“Such an approach is insufficient for refiners and inconsistent with your long-standing commitment to finding a solution that meets the needs of both the biofuels and refining industries. We urge you to not move forward,” they said in their Sept. 25 letter.

Meaningful reforms to the RFS are integral to any discussion about E15, the presidents said. “Without corresponding reductions of mandated biofuel volumes, more E15 could be forced into the market, increasing the risk of consumer misfueling. In fact, nearly three out of every four cars on the road today are not designed for E15, and several automakers have said that E15 could void car warranties,” they said.

E15 also is incompatible in classic cars, motorcycles, boats, lawn mowers, and power equipment engines, they said. “Refiners have engaged in a constructive and proactive approach to find workable reforms to the RFS. We remain committed to the goal of consensus reforms that that can and should work for all RFS stakeholders including consumers, farmers, biofuel producers, and refinery workers across the country,” they told Trump.

Contact Nick Snow at [email protected].