With the US Environmental Protection Agency poised to possibly decide whether to permit more ethanol in motor fuels, a new study commissioned by the American Petroleum Institute said multiple regulatory and legal requirements remain before higher ethanol blends can be legally marketed.
"Our study found that the introduction of higher-level blends into the marketplace is not simple or straightforward," said Jim Lyons, a senior partner at Sierra Research Inc., which conducted the study for API. "There are many changes that need to be made to federal, state, and local requirements as well as issues with vehicle warranties and the country's fuel distribution and marketing infrastructure."
In addition to a waiver of federal Clean Air Act pre-emption, the study said introducing E15 would require changes to EPA's reformulated gasoline and detergent regulations, new CAA and EPA regulations if the Reid Vapor Pressure allowance granted to E10 is extended to higher ethanol blends, and new federal fuel rating and labeling requirements.
It also would require changes "to a myriad of state fuel requirements, with the number and nature of those changes varying from state to state; and changes in equipment and operating practices in the gasoline transportation and distribution system, including pipelines, storage tanks, and retail dispensing facilities," the study added.
"EPA needs to recognize and consider these issues in addition to waiting for all of the emissions and performance data to be collected," Lyons said.
Petitioner's response
Growth Energy, the ethanol advocacy organization that has petitioned EPA to increase allowable ethanol limits in motor fuels to 15% from 10%, responded that the study simply defends the status quo, and a sound body of science accompanies its request.
"In order for state laws and regulations regarding fuel specifications to be updated, the fuel must first be approved by EPA," said Tom Buis, its chief executive. "Once that happens, Growth Energy will lead the process of working with all the proper federal and state authorities regarding the introduction of E15 into commerce."
API, the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association, and several engine makers have argued that extensive tests now being carried out need to be completed first.
"The auto and oil industries are evaluating the effects of higher level ethanol blends on vehicle and engine durability and performance, and [the US Department of Energy] and API are investigating the changes to the retail gasoline station equipment that an E15 waiver would necessitate," said Al Mannato, API's fuels issues manager. "A flawed implementation of higher level ethanol blends would impact the success of biofuels moving forward, and it's imperative all testing be completed first," he warned.
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