Organizations supporting the U.S. ethanol industry have called on Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lisa Jackson to approve gasoline with 12 percent ethanol content as an interim step while the agency considers a petition to allow 15 percent ethanol blends.
In a letter to Jackson , signed by the American Coalition for Ethanol, the National Corn Growers Association, and the Renewable Fuels Association, the groups say they support a full waiver for E15, but that it would be better to approve a waiver for E12 for all vehicles as an interim step while the government completes testing on E15.
According to EPA, it has not received a petition for E12 and is not considering a waiver for E12. However, EPA is considering granting a partial waiver for E15 that would allow its use in model-year 2001 and later vehicles but not in older vehicles. According to the agency, initial testing indicates E15 will not damage components on newer vehicles.
Meanwhile, E15 opponents have contacted the leaders of the Senate to urge them to resist amending energy legislation due for floor consideration with provisions allowing E15. Currently, E10 is the highest ethanol blend allowed for sale under the Clean Air Act. The letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) called on senators to oppose any amendments that would allow the sale of gasoline with more than 10 percent ethanol. The letter was signed by 36 environmental, equipment and food groups.
