Coalition files opening briefs arguing EPA barriers to increased market share for ethanol are illegal

May 18, 2020 |

In Washington, attorneys for a broad alliance of ethanol, agriculture and clean fuel organizations filed their opening brief arguing that EPA regulatory barriers that prevent ethanol from competing for greater market share are illegal. The brief was filed in the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. Oral arguments in the case are expected this Fall.

Last year, EPA approved a rule to allow the year-round sale of gasoline containing up to 15% ethanol. While the rule was a step in the right direction, it did not go far enough in removing anti-competitive barriers to ethanol blending. EPA should have allowed the year-round sale of fuel blends containing more than 15% ethanol, consistent with prior guidance allowing retailers to sell E20 and E30 under the Clean Air Act.

Specifically, the brief argues that EPA’s interpretation of the “substantially similar” provision of the Clean Air Act is obsolete. Today automakers use test fuels with 10% and 15% ethanol to certify most vehicles. The brief argues that since ethanol is now used in the certification of motor vehicles, the sub-sim law no longer limits the addition of ethanol to gasoline. Therefore, the court should reject EPA’s limit on the sale of gasoline with more than 15% ethanol. In the alternative, the brief argues that EPA’s only rationale for limiting the rule to E15 was refuted by the scientific evidence submitted during the notice-and-comment period, science that EPA simply chose to illegally ignore. As a remedy, the brief asks the Court to order EPA to allow ethanol to compete for greater market share against harmful petroleum-based fuel additives, but without disturbing the rule allowing the year-round sale of E15.

Category: Policy

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