Subcommittee Discusses E15
(Washington, DC) – Today, the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology’s Subcommittee on Environment held a hearing to examine the scientific, technical, and economic impacts of the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to allow the sale of E15, a gasoline blended with up to 15 volume percent ethanol. The Subcommittee also discussed draft legislation requiring further assessment of E15.
The EPA granted a waiver that would allow, but not mandate, the introduction of gasoline that contains greater than 10% ethanol and up to 15% ethanol into commerce. EPA is statutorily obligated by the Clean Air Act to respond to a waiver request made by any fuel producer. The waiver was granted based on engine testing conducted by the Department of Energy (DOE) as well as a variety of outside studies and data.
Some members of the Subcommittee expressed concerns that E15 would increase emissions, cause possible engine damage, and be used in non-approved engines. Ranking Member Suzanne Bonamici (D-OR) addressed these issues, “I know the concerns that some have about blend levels in gasoline, and I know that various states have made exceptions to accommodate these concerns. It makes sense to fully understand the impacts of our renewable policies before requiring consumers to comply. What does not make sense, however, is refusing to address the problem altogether. The “blend wall” should not be a reason to give up on renewable fuels; it should be a reason to promote technology that will meet the growing supply of renewables. Advanced ethanol, cellulosic biomass, and other developments in the production of these fuels are only going to increase the supply of blended fuels on the market. Those advancements will help bring us further toward energy security.”
She continued, “Clean and sustainable renewable fuels are already a part of our economy. Investing in clean and renewable energy has and will continue to create jobs, reduce our impact on climate change, reduce our reliance on foreign fossil fuels, and strengthen our national security. We should work toward realizing a future of producing home-grown renewable fuels. To meet that challenge, it is this Committee’s responsibility to focus on the science and technology that will help get our country on the road to a sustainable energy future.”
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