News reports have suggested E15 blends, which use half again as much ethanol as the longstanding 10 percent blend, is on the verge of commercial availability, but industry and regulatory sources say it will be a little longer before the blend is ready for commercial sale, reports Agri-Pulse. Still, the Environmental Protection Agency's approval of industry-sponsored testing on the health effects of E15 is a major step toward commercialization, the Washington newsletter reports.
Manufacturers can now submit applications to register their products with EPA, but must also submit product and manufacturer identification, specific compositional data and total annual production volume. Registration doesn't mean E15 can be sold immediately. Waivers allowing E15 distribution were granted conditionally, limiting its use in cars of model year 2001 and newer. The Renewable Fuels Association has submitted a misfueling-and-mitigation plan to EPA to serve as a model for retailers. E15 can be sold to EPA-approved vehicles at stations prepared to sell it once the plan is complete and manufacturers register with EPA.
Other federal, state and local requirements, including equipment compatibility, also have to be addressed before commercial sale can begin. Some states restrict the sale of some ethanol blends, and laws may have to be changed before E15 can be sold there. Agri-Pulse reports the industry is anxious to introduce E15 to break through a "blend wall" saturation of E10 blends, which are mostly exported. The U.S. is the largest exporter of ethanol, which advocates have billed as the solution to the country's reliance on foreign oil. Industry representatives say the breakthrough would keep more of it at home.
Agri-Pulse is available only by subscription, but offers a four week free trial.
Manufacturers can now submit applications to register their products with EPA, but must also submit product and manufacturer identification, specific compositional data and total annual production volume. Registration doesn't mean E15 can be sold immediately. Waivers allowing E15 distribution were granted conditionally, limiting its use in cars of model year 2001 and newer. The Renewable Fuels Association has submitted a misfueling-and-mitigation plan to EPA to serve as a model for retailers. E15 can be sold to EPA-approved vehicles at stations prepared to sell it once the plan is complete and manufacturers register with EPA.
Other federal, state and local requirements, including equipment compatibility, also have to be addressed before commercial sale can begin. Some states restrict the sale of some ethanol blends, and laws may have to be changed before E15 can be sold there. Agri-Pulse reports the industry is anxious to introduce E15 to break through a "blend wall" saturation of E10 blends, which are mostly exported. The U.S. is the largest exporter of ethanol, which advocates have billed as the solution to the country's reliance on foreign oil. Industry representatives say the breakthrough would keep more of it at home.
Agri-Pulse is available only by subscription, but offers a four week free trial.
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