US Science committee examines "the Science on E15 ethanol" in E15 hearings

In Washington, the Energy & Environment Subcommittee of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology held hearings yesterday entitled “Hitting the Ethanol Blend Wall: Examining the Science on E15,” to hear feedback on draft legislative language on mid-level ethanol blends of up to 15% ethanol in gasoline.  This year, the EPA provided waivers allowing E15 for motor vehicles built after 2001 under certain conditions.

Steven Burke, the President and CEO of the Biofuels Center of North Carolina, was asked to speak on North Carolina’s comprehensive approach to creating a new biofuels industry sector in the state.  Burke testified that North Carolina is in favor of the EPA’s decision on E15 as a necessary intermediate step towards larger and longer-term national goals.  He said, “More time is clearly needed for advanced biofuels technologies to develop.  In the interim, increased use of ethanol serves as the first stage foundation required for new biofuels technology, affirms biofuels within consumer and national life, and prepares for large amounts of next generation feedstocks, technology, and facilities.”