NPRA sues EPA over E15 ethanol

January 6, 2011 |

In Washington, the National Petrochemical and Refiners Association just filed suit against the Environmental Protection Agency over the decision to allow the sale of gasoline containing higher blends of corn-based ethanol, the second major group to protest the ruling.

In October, the Obama administration approved gas stations to start selling the ethanol blend for vehicles built since the 2007 model year, increasing it from the current blend of 10 percent ethanol. The decision has been criticized by ethanol supporters who claim it doesn’t go far enough, and by engine manufacturers who state it could damage engines in vehicles, boats, snowmobiles and outdoor power equipment such as lawn mowers and chainsaws.

Last month, trade groups for the auto industry and engine manufacturers sued EPA over the ruling, citing concerns it would lead to motorists unknowingly filling up their older cars and trucks with E15 and damaging the vehicles’ engines.
The ethanol industry says the EPA should have approved the ethanol blend for more vehicles. They say there is enough evidence to show that a 15 percent ethanol blend in motor fuel will not harm engine performance.

More on the story.

Category: Policy

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