AAA Calls for the EPA to Reject Petition to Increase Ethanol Content in Gasoline

AAA Calls for the EPA to Reject Petition to Increase Ethanol Content in
Gasoline to 15 Percent

Still unknown are the long-term potential consequences of an increased ethanol
blend in gasoline on vehicle engine performance, fuel efficiency and emissions

WASHINGTON, AAA, the nation's largest automobile club, is calling for the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reject a petition that would increase the permissible content of ethanol blended in gasoline to 15 percent, or E15, from the currently allowed 10 percent, commonly known as E10.

"While AAA supports the integration of alternative fuels into the nation's
fuel supply, additional data is needed on the potential impact associated with
the use of E15 gasoline over time on the country's vehicle fleet," said AAA
Vice President of Public Affairs Kathleen Marvaso. "Therefore, AAA is opposed
to increasing the ethanol content in gasoline to 15 percent without unbiased,
objective research first proving that E15 will not damage engine systems and
component parts, compromise vehicle performance and fuel efficiency, or
increase vehicle emissions."

Specific areas of concern
After reviewing the petition, AAA identified the following areas of concern:

Potential negative impact on vehicle exhaust emissions - There are substantial
concerns about increased NOx output that is likely to result from increased
cylinder temperatures generated by leaner air/fuel ratios under certain
operating conditions.

Degradation of engine operability in cold start-up conditions - Most vehicle
systems operate from factory calibrated parameters until the vehicle engine
and exhaust systems reach a temperature sufficient to support full feedback
operation. The increased oxygen content of E15 could cause a stalling or
stumbling condition before the engine reaches the minimum temperatures needed
to support feedback. Engine system reprogramming could mitigate the issue, but
would not be applicable to all vehicles and would be a major cause of
inconvenience and cost to vehicle owners whose vehicles are capable of being
reprogrammed.

The potential to cause catastrophic engine damage - Modern fuel systems are
designed to flow sufficient fuel to the engine within the vehicle's design
parameters. AAA believes there could be the potential for damage to some
engines (specifically, high output naturally aspirated and forced induction
engines). AAA does not believe this would be a widespread problem but for
those impacted, the damage would be significant.

System component damage - The increase in ethanol would reduce the lubricity
of the fuel and could noticeably increase the wear on key fuel system parts
including the fuel pump and fuel injector seats. This potential side effect is
most insidious since it could take years to realize the full extent of damage.


Older vehicles are not designed to run on ethanol and would unquestionably
experience poor drivability and reduced engine reliability - These vehicles do
not use an oxygen sensor to monitor exhaust oxygen content and would
undeniably run lean. This affects drivability and increases NOx emissions.
Some of these vehicles are collector cars, but many are owned by Americans who
can't afford a newer vehicle. E10 has been a problem for these motorists and
E15 would make it worse.

Catalytic converters could be impacted by the increased temperatures caused by
the higher alcohol content in the fuel - This could shorten the expected life
of a converter and increase emissions far beyond any saved by the use of
increased alcohol in the fuel. Shortening the life of a catalytic converter
would create serious economic consequences for those affected and could
increase overall emissions.

source: bx.businessweek