By SEMA Washington, D.C., Staff
For the second year in a row, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued a temporary waiver to allow for the summertime sale of gasoline with up to 15% ethanol (E15). Currently, E15 cannot be sold between June 1 and September 15 due to fuel-volatility concerns that higher blends of ethanol combined with warmer temperatures may lead to increased ground-level ozone formation and smog. The EPA issued its waiver over fuel supply disruptions caused by Russia's war in Ukraine and other factors.
Ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E15, can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers in older automobiles that were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials and in certain specialty high-performance equipment installed on newer vehicles. SEMA opposes the expansion of E15 gasoline as a lack of clear labeling on gas pumps does not provide sufficient protection to guard against misfuelling.
Under the Trump Administration, the EPA issued a ruling to permanently allow year-round sale of E15; however, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia found this ruling unlawful. The EPA says this decision is based on its authority to pursue a temporary emergency action.
For more information, contact Eric Snyder at erics@sema.org.