Sensenbrenner Legislation Would Delay Environmental, Economic Gains of E15
Contact: Joshua Morby - 414.344.1733
Milwaukee, Wis. – Legislation introduced today by Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner would delay EPA approval of E15 usage in vehicle models 2001, harming Wisconsin’s economy and the environment, the Wisconsin Bio Industry Alliance (WBIA) said.
"Study after study has shown that blends of up to 15 percent ethanol are safe, environmentally friendly, and economically beneficial, particularly in Wisconsin," said Joshua Morby, Executive Director of the WBIA. "Introducing a bill to dispute the use of E15, which already has been approved by the EPA, is not only extremely disappointing, but harmful to our state’s ethanol economy."
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. In fact, the fuel is so safe that NASCAR used E15 in numerous national touring seasons events this year.
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.
Wisconsin, which currently ranks eighth in the nation in terms of ethanol production capacity at roughly 500 million gallons per year, stands to benefit significantly from increased usage of the fuel. Additionally, using E15 instead of unleaded gasoline would also reduce greenhouse gas emissions by an additional eight million tons per year, based on a study published in Yale University’s Journal of Industrial Ecology.
"In the midst of this difficult economy, we need our representatives in Washington to support initiatives that will encourage growth of our state’s economy, not introduce measures to delay recovery," said Morby. "The benefits of E15 are obvious, and based on the economic and environmental benefits of the fuel, there is no reason to delay the use of E15 by consumers."
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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