US biofuels groups call for E15 emergency waiver
WASHINGTON, DC, US — US biofuel and agriculture groups are urging swift approval for an emergency waiver for sales of fuel blended with up to 15% ethanol.
They said conflicts across the world pose risks to the US transportation energy supply. The waiver would temporarily eliminate the 9.0 psi limit for ethanol gasoline blends during the summer ozone control season in conventional areas. The EPA has issued the waiver the past two years.
“In addition to the conflict in Ukraine, now extending into its third year, the recent unrest and volatility in the Middle East present additional challenges to American energy security,” the groups said in a letter sent to EPA Administrator Michael Regan. “In particular, attacks on shipping in the Red Sea have already had a disruptive effect on the transit of fuel in the region, raising the specter of constrained supply and increased gasoline prices at home.”
The groups included Growth Energy, the Renewable Fuels Association, the National Corn Growers Association, the American Farm Bureau Federation, the National Farmers Union and the National Sorghum Producers.
The approval of 15% blends is needed to remedy the ongoing disruptions to global energy markets, stabilize gasoline prices for American consumers, and support domestic energy security.
“The consumer cost savings that result from allowing the year-round sale of E15, even on a temporary basis, are well-established,” the groups said. “As a result of the emergency waivers issued in 2022 and 2023, consumers choosing E15 experienced average cost savings of 10-30 cents per gallon, with some locations offering over $1 off per gallon.”
E15 (UNL 88) is a fuel blend made of gasoline and 15% ethanol. The EPA has approved its use in all cars, trucks, and sport utility vehicles (SUVs) made in model year 2001 and newer — representing more than 96% of all vehicles on the road today.
E15 can be found at over 3,400 gas stations across the country and to date, Americans have driven more than 100 billion miles on this fuel blend. In 2022 and 2023, consumers choosing E15 experienced average cost savings of 10-30 cents per gallon, with some locations offering over $1 off per gallon.
Source Link : https://www.world-grain.com/articles/19796-us-biofuels-groups-call-for-e15-emergency-waiver
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