From AAIA Capital Report

On June 15, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) gave approval to about 57 companies to begin selling gasoline with 15 percent ethanol (E15). Specifically, EPA has notified the Renewable Fuels Association that its E15 Retail Advisory addresses the agency’s concerns with residual fuel left in gas pumps with just a single hose. The advisory is now incorporated into the RFA’s E15 Retailer Handbook.

The E15 Retailer Handbook is referenced by RFA’s EPA-approved mis-fueling mitigation plan – which was required by EPA before E15 could be sold to the public. RFA stated that it also is offering approved E15 pump labels for free to gasoline retailers.

Notwithstanding the latest EPA action, the approval of E15 for sale for vehicles 2001 and later has been strongly opposed by both the auto industry and the off-road and marine engine industry. These industries claim that their testing demonstrates that use of E15 could create significant engine damage and have filed legal action seeking to overturn EPA’s regulatory approval.

However, RFA’s President and CEO, Bob Dineen, stated that, "in the eyes of the federal government, E15 is a legal fuel for sale to cars, pickups and SUVs made since 2001. E15 has undergone the most vigorous testing and regulatory process of any fuel approved by the federal government. With all i’s dotted and t’s crossed as far as EPA is concerned, our undivided focus will turn to addressing state regulatory issues, identifying retailers wishing to offer E15, and paving the way to greater use of domestically produced ethanol.”

Editor’s note: The RFA and automotive expert Bobby Likis just announced a new outreach program to educate automotive technicians about E15. Read more about it here.