Senators offer bill to halt EPA’s introduction of E15 gasoline

Two Republicans on the US Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee introduced legislation on Feb. 15 to keep the US Environmental Protection Agency from bringing gasoline with a 15% ethanol blend (E15) onto the market.

Roger F. Wicker (Miss.), a member of the committee’s Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee, introduced S. 344, which would keep ethanol limits in gasoline at 10% and invalidate waivers for fuel with 15% ethanol that EPA has issued. David Vitter (La.), the full committee’s ranking minority member, is cosponsor.

“EPA’s flawed waivers allowing E15 amount to government bureaucrats issuing short-sighted regulations that negatively impact families and businesses across the country,” said Wicker. “The concerns surrounding E15 that existed prior to the waivers have increased instead of diminishing.”

Vitter added, “It is irresponsible for EPA to allow E15 without sufficient testing and technical analysis. I support an all-inclusive energy strategy, but experimenting before understanding the consequences and potential cost of using E15 is unfair to consumers.”

The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers applauded the legislation. “The fact that EPA would allow a fuel in the marketplace that it knows will threaten existing engines and refueling infrastructure is inconceivable and is a glaring example of EPA’s willingness to place politics ahead of science,” said AFPM Pres. Charles T. Drevna on Feb. 15.

Contact Nick Snow at [email protected].