“Recently completed testing and data analysis show that E15 does not harm emissions control equipment in newer cars and light trucks," said EPA Administrator Lisa P. Jackson. "Wherever sound science and the law support steps to allow more home-grown fuels in America’s vehicles, this administration takes those steps."
On October 13, 2010, EPA approved a waiver allowing the use of E15 for MY 2007 and newer cars and light trucks. At that time, EPA denied a request to allow the use of E15 for MY 2000 and older vehicles and postponed its decision on the use of E15 in MY 2001 to 2006 cars and light trucks until DOE completed additional testing for those model years.
By using E10 in much of its fuel today, the United States has reduced its dependence on foreign oil by billions of gallons each year, notes the National Corn Growers Association. Increasing the blend level from E10 to E15 can avoid the importation of another 7 billion gallons of gasoline per year.
The Agency also announced that no waiver is being granted this year for E15 use in any motorcycles, heavy-duty vehicles, or non-road engines because current testing data does not support such a waiver.
These waivers represent one of a number of actions that are needed from federal, state and industry before consumers will find E15 gasoline blends available. EPA is developing requirements to ensure that E15 is properly labeled at the gas pump.
The nation’s leading ethanol advocacy groups lauded the move.
“This is a bold move forward, changing America’s energy future for the better,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy about the E15 decision. “Increased use of ethanol will strengthen our energy security, create U.S. jobs, and improve the environment by displacing conventional gasoline with a low-carbon fuel.”