The US Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) has expressed its frustration at a decision to delay approving the use of up to 15 per cent ethanol blends in road transport fuels.
The country’s Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) took the decision last week to delay the testing of higher blends of ethanol in gasoline until September.
The renewable fuels advocate labelled the move a ‘dereliction of duty’, as it estimates that permitting the higher percentage blends of ethanol would mean a potential increase of 6.5 billion gallons of new ethanol demand, displacing more than 200 million additional barrels of imported oil.
Currently the limit in the US stands at 10 per cent ethanol in gasoline. EPA is now preparing to approve the higher blend E15 for use in only model year 2007 and newer vehicles in September while waiting to approve E15 for model year 2001 and newer vehicles later this autumn.
“EPA is dropping the ball, and for no scientifically justified reason,” said RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen. “While initial plans to approve the use of E15 for only 2001 and newer vehicles were bad, this plan borders on shameful. Confusing the market as EPA seems intent upon doing likely will lead to little if any additional ethanol being sold.”
Dinneen continued, “President Obama this week rallied the nation to an Apollo-like program to end our dependence on oil. By pursuing this path, EPA is failing to answer the President’s charge.”
Another option was to increase the blend allowed up to 12 per cent, but EPA decided it would not permit that until it had thoroughly tested the compatibility of 15 per cent blends with conventional engines.
The use of ethanol in the country remains controversial, with critics questioning its ability to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The fuel has also been blamed for pushing up food prices.
