One more point - while the article points out this is not a "mandate", it is only a matter of time. The 10% thing was not a mandate at first, either. And every time petroleum refiners have to meet new federal mandates, the price of gas rises dramatically. Say "Hello" to more rising prices.
No other agency has done more to harm America than the EPA. And they just keep on proving that.
EPA APPROVES VERY RESTRICTED USE OF E-15
Wednesday, October 13, 2010 - Over the past few months, PMAA has frequently reported on the likely EPA approval of E-15 for 2007 and newer vehicles. While EPA issued the approval today, PMAA believes the preponderance of U.S. retailers will not offer the fuel until legal and regulatory issues are resolved. The decision issued today announced a partial decision in a waiver petition filed by the nation's largest ethanol producers to permit the use of E-15 gasoline blends in conventional fueled vehicles. As expected, the EPA approved the use of E-15 gasoline blends in model year 2007 and newer vehicles. The E-15 waiver might extend to model year 2001 and newer vehicles by the end of the year according to the agency.
The waiver petition was filed in March 2009 by Growth Energy, Inc., a consortium of ethanol producers. The waiver decision represents a mixed bag for petroleum marketers. While marketers generally support the increased use of mid- level ethanol blends, uncertainty remains over whether E-15 is compatible with existing petroleum storage and dispensing equipment which is only certified for blends up to a maximum 10 percent ethanol. The lingering uncertainty over compatibility raises liability concerns for petroleum marketers due to potential releases from existing storage tanks and dispensing equipment.
Liability for consumer misfueling is also a major concern for marketers since the EPA decision limits the use of E-15 blends to only a fraction of existing conventional fueled vehicles. This risk of intentional consumer misfueling is also expected to increase since E-15 is expected to cost less than existing E-10 blended gasoline. The EPA hopes to reduce incidents of consumer misfueling with new dispenser labels that are part of a proposed rule that accompanied today's announcement.
Petroleum marketers will likely see no immediate effect as a result of the EPA's E-15 approval. The decision does not create a mandate but simply gives marketers the option to sell E-15 product. Few refiners, suppliers or marketers are expected to jump on the E-15 bandwagon until liability concerns are fully addressed and the number of E-15 compatible vehicles grows significantly.
PMAA will continue to work with both the EPA and Congress to limit marketers risk of liability for E-15 use. [Ed. note: in plain English, they fear this will cause damage and they want to be immune from lawsuits]
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