EPA Clears Way for E15

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has given the go-ahead for the sales of a mixture of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline. Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis says – now it is up to the retailers and individual fuel companies to register for approval to sell E15. Another hurdle might be any laws the states have governing sales of gasoline mixed with ethanol.

Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association have championed E15 for three years, after they first filed its petition seeking federal approval to increase blends of ethanol in fuel from the current 10 percent to 15 percent in March 2009. Buis says – we’d encourage all Americans to ask their local filling station how soon they will see more-affordable E15. Growth Energy has committed to the American public that we will work with the retail industry to bring E15 to their stations.

The Renewable Fuels Association says the health effects testing is a significant milestone to have passed. RFA President and CEO Bob Dinneen says – EPA’s action puts E15 on the precipice of commercialization and means that consumers may be able to choose a more affordable E15 option in time for the expensive summer driving season. The RFA expects companies to begin the registration process immediately.