Boosted by a recent EPA decision, ethanol backers hold out hope the government will help their industry this year by allowing more of the corn-based fuel in cars.
Unless someone drives a flex fuel vehicle, they can't put more than ten percent ethanol in their car. However, the Environmental Protection Agency could allow as much as 15 percent.
That would be an important step for an industry worried about the so-called blend wall, producing more ethanol than can be used.
Nebraska Ethanol Board Chairman Mike Thede said, "Right now the numbers don't work out with a ten percent blend on 135 million gallons of gas used, can't get 15 million gallons of ethanol blended into that. That's the big hurdle next."
15 percent ethanol blends will have to prove safe in cars. The EPA continues to study the implications, and has repeatedly delayed action.
A separate EPA decision came out recently in ethanol's favor. That ruling said corn ethanol produces significantly fewer emissions than gasoline, even when taking into account changes in land use.
Thede, who farms near Palmer said, "The fact they left the indirect land use in the formula was disappointing, but even though they left them in we came above the standard. That's a positive thing for ethanol."
State ethanol administrator Todd Sneller said as fossil fuels become more expensive, ethanol is more efficient and environmentally friendly.
The EPA is expected to rule on the blend limit this summer.
Reporter's Notes by Steve White:
The national Renewable Fuels Standard mandated increase use of biofuels. The EPA ruled that ethanol has shown it complies with a 20 percent reduction in emissions required by the standard.
The next step for the ethanol industry is addressing the blend wall, hoping the EPA will allow more ethanol in fuel mixes. In the meantime, groups like the Nebraska Ethanol Board support the use of blender pumps, gas pumps that allow a variety of percentages of ethanol to be used.
source: nebraska.tv
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