23 Groups Urge EPA to Bar 12 Percent Ethanol in Gasoline

A diverse group of 23 environmental, consumer, food, auto and other industry organizations today asked the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to deny a request by ethanol manufacturers seeking authorization for the sale of gasoline containing 12 percent ethanol (E12).

The groups include the Natural Resources Defense Council, National Consumers League, Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, National Marine Manufacturers Association, and Grocery Manufacturers Association.

In a letter to EPA Assistant Administrator Gina McCarthy, the organizations express concerns regarding the lack of independent testing on "mid-level" ethanol blends. The letter says increasing levels of ethanol in gasoline could pose a danger to consumer safety and could harm engines and the environment.

Current law limits the amount of ethanol in conventional gasoline to 10 percent.

Many of the groups that signed the letter are working together on a campaign seeking to prevent EPA from approving 15 percent ethanol (E15) in gasoline.

EPA is expected to announce a decision on the use of E15 in late-model cars in the next few weeks. Ethanol producers backing E15 have also sought approval for the use of E12 for a wider range of vehicles.

source: prnewswire