EPA DELAYS PIVOTAL BLEND WALL DECISION
News Date December 01, 2009
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced they will be delaying their decision on the controversial ethanol “blend wall” issue until mid-2010, thus vacating the initial deadline of Dec. 1, 2009. In response to a request from Growth Energy, the EPA has been analyzing the potential effects an increased blend of ethanol in gasoline may have on the transportation sector, particularly fuel, engine, and emission control systems in vehicles.
Currently, the limit of ethanol blended in gasoline is at ten percent; the Growth Energy request is to increase the level to 15 percent. Even though they have announced that the decision will be delayed, EPA does concede it will be necessary to increase the blend limit in order to reach the mandated renewable fuels standard of 36 billion gallons by 2022. In a letter to Growth Energy, EPA Assistant Administrator Gina McCarthy explains, “To achieve the renewable fuel requirements in future years, it is clear that ethanol will need to be blended into gasoline at levels greater than the current limit of 10 percent.”
McCarthy further discusses the reason for delay, as well as a brief outlook, “As we are evaluating your E15 waiver petition, we want to make sure we have all necessary science to make the right decision. Although all of the studies have not been completed, our engineering assessment to date indicates that the robust fuel, engine and emissions control systems on newer vehicles (likely 2001 and newer model years) will likely be able to accommodate higher ethanol blends, such as E15. However, we continue to evaluate the question of component durability when E15 is used over many thousands of miles and there is an ongoing study being conducted by DOE that will provide critical date on this issue. We are told by DOE that this program involves the complete testing of 19 vehicles to examine the long term emissions impacts of higher ethanol blends on newer motor vehicles, and is expected to be completed by August 2010. Presently data are available on only two vehicles, however it is expected that testing will be completed on an additional 12 vehicles by the end of May. As a result, EPA expects to have a significant amount of the total data being generated through this testing program available to us by mid-June. Should the test results remain supportive and provide the necessary basis, we would be in a position to approve E15 for 2001 and newer vehicles in the mid-year timeframe. Of course, if the data highlight potential problems, then the decision may need to be delayed until all testing is received and reviewed.”
Proponents for the increase in ethanol blends have had mixed reactions of the EPA announcement. Gen. Wesley Clark, Co-Chairman of Growth Energy, believes the delay for more testing is not a hindrance, but actually is a positive sign. “This announcement is a strong signal that we are preparing to move to E15, a measure that will create 136,000 new U.S. jobs, cut greenhouse gas emissions and lessen America’s dependence on imported oil.”
Meanwhile, Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dineen observes the postponement to be detrimental to the future of domestic renewable fuels. “This delay threatens to paralyze the continued evolution of America’s ethanol industry. As EPA itself indicated, the scientific data to date has demonstrated no ill-effects of increased ethanol use in any vehicle currently on the road…In order to avoid paralysis by analysis, EPA should immediately approve intermediate ethanol blends, such as E12. Allowing for a 20 percent increase in ethanol’s potential share of the market would provide some breathing room for the industry while EPA finishes its testing on E15. Additionally, it would represent a good faith gesture that underscores the commitment President Obama has pledged to biofuels.” (Contact: David Hickey)