EPA sends to the White House proposal to block high ethanol blends for non-flex fuel vehicles

In Washington, a proposed rule to make ethanol blends above 15% illegal in anything other than flex fuel vehicles (FFVs) is a potential death blow to the ethanol industry according to the Urban Air Initiative. This coincidently comes at a time when auto manufacturers are phasing out FFVs.

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) sent the proposed REGS rule to the Office of Management and Budget for review. A final rule is expected by November. If finalized, it would ban E16 and higher blends and would ensure that E15 is the ceiling until new certification fuel or sub-sim waiver is granted. The REGS Rule or Renewables Enhancement and Growth Support Rule would codify a regulation based on EPA’s misinterpretation of a Clean Air Act provision.