At first glance, the Jan. 6 letter to three key federal energy and environment policymakers from 14 trade associations about possible early approval of a higher ethanol content in motor fuels might have seemed routine. But the communication included a summary of required midlevel ethanol tests that clearly showed how much work still needs to be done.The group, which included the American Petroleum Institute, National Petrochemical & Refiners Association, petroleum product retailing and marketing associations, and manufacturers of automobiles, boats, and outdoor recreation equipment, expressed concern that the US Environmental Protection Agency might decide to prematurely raise the fue...