Higher ethanol blend approved for more vehicles

WASHINGTON -- Nearly two-thirds of cars on the road could have more corn-based ethanol in their fuel tanks under an Environmental Protection Agency decision Friday.

The agency said 15 percent ethanol blended with gasoline is safe for cars and light-duty trucks made from 2001 to 2006, expanding an October decision that the higher blend is safe for cars built since 2007. The maximum blend has been 10 percent.

The fuel is popular in Indiana and other farm states because most ethanol comes from corn and other grains. It faces strong opposition, however, from the auto industry as well as environmentalists, cattle ranchers and food companies, which say using corn for ethanol makes animal feed more expensive, raises grocery prices and tears up the land. Automakers, boat manufacturers and outdoor power equipment makers have sued the EPA since it decided to allow the higher blends for newer cars.

Critics said the change could be frustrating for drivers of older cars, who will have to figure out which service station pump to use, and that many retailers won't sell the higher blend because of the expense of new pumps and signs.

"It seems like corn growers and the ethanol industry are the only real winners here," said Craig Cox of the Environmental Working Group.

The EPA has said a congressional mandate for increased ethanol use can't be achieved without higher-percentage blends. Congress has required refiners to blend 36 billion gallons of biofuels, mostly ethanol, into auto fuel by 2022.

Members of the ethanol industry say the fuel can help reduce dependence on foreign oil while boosting a domestic industry and creating jobs. The industry estimates almost six out of 10 cars would be able to use ethanol under the new standards.

The EPA has said there won't be a decision any time soon on boosting the ethanol concentration for cars and light trucks built before 2001 -- or for motorcycles, heavy-duty vehicles or nonroad engines -- because there is not sufficient testing to support such an approval.

The EPA has approved the blend only for newer cars and trucks because they have more durable emissions systems. Ethanol burns hotter than gas, causing catalytic converters to break down faster.

source: indystar