Agricultural News
As Government Tests for E15, We Hear Assurances that 100% Gas Will Be There- If You Want It
Wed, 07 Jul 2010 6:38:38 CDT
The Obama Administration has released a report explaining the goals for testing E-15 fuel in on road vehicles. The report appears to be in response to recent criticism following missed deadlines by the Environmental Protection Agency in reporting results. The administration report says EPA, working with the Department of Energy, undertook a multi-million dollar testing regimen that will provide the information EPA needs to make a sound, technically correct and legally supportable decision.
One component of the testing focuses on the - useful life – testing of vehicles. That testing has been ongoing 24 hours a day at essentially all of the independent test facilities in North America. According to the administration, under this accelerated protocol each vehicle requires testing for 6-9 months.
Testing of vehicles, covering 2007 and younger, is expected to be completed by the end of September. Testing of older vehicles covering 2001 and 2006 model years will be completed in November. Further approval steps include: testing on dispensing equipment; changes to state laws to allow for the use of E15; and completion of the fuels registration process by industry.
Click here for the Blog statement from the EPA website on E15 testing.
Here in Oklahoma- we have a major debate over 100% gas versus an ethanol blend. Since 2008, Oklahoma has had a state law that mandates clear labeling of any gas with an ethanol blend- and many retailers have grabbed this as a chance to sell 100% gas at a significant premium over the E10 that is offered at other locations. There is fear, based on statements made by Oklahoma Senator Jim Inhofe that 100% gas might be outlawed by the Renewable Fuels Act.
We talked to Chris Thorne of Growth Energy, an advovcacy group for ethanol in Washington- and he says don't fear- E zero will be available as an option as long as retailers believe they have a market to sell it. Click on the Listen Bar below to hear our conversation with Chris about this subject of the blend level for ethanol- E zero, E10 or maybe one day eventually- E15.
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