Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance

WBIA Applauds EPA's Expected Approval of E15 Use in 2007 and Newer Vehicles

Calls for EPA to Allow E15 in All Vehicles

Contact: Joshua Morby - 414.344.1733

MILWAUKEE, Wis. – A decision expected today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to allow the use of E15 in 2007 model year and newer cars paves the way for higher level ethanol blends to be used in vehicles nationwide.

“This is a critical first step, but the EPA should act quickly to allow ethanol blends of up to 15% for older vehicles as well,” said Joshua Morby, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA).  “Moving to E15 has many benefits.  It’s not only been proven safe in study after study, but it would reduce our impact on the environment and help grow our economy here in Wisconsin.”

Today’s expected decision by the EPA will apply to 43 million vehicles nationwide, nearly 20 percent of the current U.S. fleet.  A second decision on 2001-2006 model year cars is expected by the end of the year and would add an additional 86 million cars.  With that second approval, E15 would be allowed in more than 54 percent of vehicles on the road.

Ethanol blends in gasoline are currently capped at 10%, or E10.  In order to meet renewable energy goals and see further environmental and economic benefits of ethanol production and use, the cap must be raised – a move long supported by the WBIA. 

Over the past few years, multiple studies have been done to examine the effects of E15 on engines.  Among those studies is one conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy that concluded there were no significant changes in vehicle drivability when E15 was used instead of traditional gasoline.

Another study by North Dakota State University last year outlined the positive effects E15 would have on the nation’s economy, including creating 136,000 new jobs and generating an additional $24.4 billion in economic activity.  The use of E15 would also displace nearly 7 billion gallons of gasoline from imported oil.

The Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance is a diverse group of businesses, environmental groups, and statewide and local organizations that have come together to build both public and legislative awareness of the Bio Industry in Wisconsin.
 
For more information about the Alliance, or to find out how to join, please visit our website: http://www.wisconsinbioindustry.com.

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