Ethanol Blog

LINCOLN, Neb. (DTN) -- Legislation introduced in the U.S. Senate this week would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to finalize a 2021 rule to update E15 pump labeling and clear the way for stations to use existing underground storage and dispensing equipment for the fuel.

The so-called Ethanol for America Act was introduced by Sens. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa and Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn. Sens. Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa; Dick Durbin, D-Ill.; Deb Fischer, R-Neb.; and Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill.; are co-sponsors of the bill while Reps. Adrian Smith, R-Neb. and Nikki Budzinski, D-Ill., introduced the bill in the U.S. House of Representatives. In the House, additional original cosponsors include Reps. Dusty Johnson, R-S.D.; Tracey Mann, R-Kan.; Derek Schmidt, R-Kan.; Mike Flood, R-Neb.; Randy Feenstra, R-Iowa; and Brad Finstad, R-Minn.

The 2021 rule that was ended by the Biden administration would have either eliminated the federal E15 labeling requirement entirely or could have required a new label that says "contains up to 15% ethanol, safe for use in 2001 and newer passenger vehicles or flex-fuel vehicles, avoid use in other vehicles, motorcycles, boats or gasoline-powered equipment. It may cause damage and is prohibited by federal law."

The proposed rule would have required gas stations either installing new equipment or replacing old equipment, to ensure compatibility with ethanol blends up to 100%.

The legislation would require the EPA to make E15 fuel labels clearer to consumers.

"We thank Sens. Ernst and Klobuchar, and Reps. Smith and Budzinski, for introducing this common-sense legislation, which would lower pump prices for American consumers, bolster U.S. energy security, and open new markets for our nation's family farmers," said Geoff Cooper, president and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association.

"The most effective way to keep a lid on gas prices is to expand and diversify the domestic fuel supply with higher ethanol blends like E15. Knocking down regulatory barriers and allowing E15 to be stored and distributed in existing infrastructure will lower fuel costs for Americans and strengthen the market's resilience against global supply disruptions."

Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor said current pump requirements have made it less likely that gas stations would sell E15.

"Consumer demand for E15 grows each year, but onerous labelingâ?¯and underground tankâ?¯requirements have prevented many retailers from expanding access to better options at the pump," Skor said.

"This important effort willâ?¯put more homegrown energy into the marketplace, reduce prices at the pump and open critical new markets for U.S. farmers and biofuel producers."

Ernst and 16 other members of Congress also penned a letter to EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, calling on him to deem existing fuel infrastructure compatible with E15.

Research shows underground storage tanks and dispensing equipment compatible with E10 are also compatible with E15, according to a news release from Ernst's office.

In addition, E15 is approved for 96% of vehicles on the road with over 160 billion miles driven using E15. The fuel "routinely offers lower prices" and saves drivers from 10 cents to 30 cents per gallon. Ernst said approving current infrastructure would avoid costly upgrades for retailers.

Todd Neeley can be reached at todd.neeley@dtn.com

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