The usual suspects oppose E12 ethanol, in letter to EPA

In Washington, a group of trade associations and the Natural Resources Defense Council submitted a letter to the EPA opposing the approval of mid-level ethanol blends such as E12. The groups, which have been vigorously opposing the approval of E15 ethanol blends as well, expressed concerns regarding the lack of independent testing on “mid-level” ethanol blends. The letter says increasing levels of ethanol in gasoline could pose a danger to consumer safety and could harm engines and the environment.

In its vehicle testing, the EPA had investigated E15 ethanol blends and had not specifically tested E12, leading BIO VP Brent Erickson to predict to the Digest last week that approval of E12 would be unlikely given the potential for delaying lawsuits. Among the signatories to the EPA letter were the American Meat Institute, American Petroleum Institute, Grocery Manufacturers Association, National Chicken Council and the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association.

A copy of the letter is here.