WASHINGTON, DC – Growth Energy, the coalition of U.S. ethanol supporters that filed the Green Jobs Waiver seeking E15, described as a “strong signal” the Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement today that it was preparing to approve E15 upon the completion of ongoing tests early next year.
In response to the Growth Energy Green Jobs Waiver, the EPA has taken a positive step towards higher blends of clean, green, and homegrown ethanol. In EPA’s letter, the agency states that its engineering assessments indicate that the “robust fuel, engine and emissions control systems on newer vehicles (likely 2001 and newer model years) will likely be able to accommodate higher ethanol blends, such as E15.” The letter notes that increasing the blend wall to E15, as per Growth Energy’s request, is a “critical issue” as the nation works toward “long-term introduction of more renewable fuels into the transportation sector.”
“This announcement is a strong signal that we are preparing to move to E15, a measure that will create 136,000 new U.S. jobs, cut greenhouse gas emissions and lessen America’s dependence on imported oil,” said Gen. Wesley Clark, Co-Chairman of Growth Energy
“While we believe the data included in the Green Jobs Waiver supports raising the blend to E15, critics have called for additional testing. We are confident the ongoing tests will further confirm the data we submitted in the Growth Energy Green Jobs Waiver and silence those critics, allowing more American-produced energy to enter the market.” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy.
“The Growth Energy Green Jobs Waiver brought to light the issue of the regulatory cap on ethanol and is responsible for moving this process forward. The importance of increasing the blend is now universally understood. Moving to E15 provides much-needed market opportunity for the domestic ethanol industry by adding seven billion new gallons of market potential. This expanded market opportunity is necessary to draw capital investment for cellulosic ethanol and allows the industry to comply with the Renewable Fuel Standard. EPA is also to be commended for its intent to begin the labeling and public education process sooner rather than later; this decision means we could begin to move to E15 as soon as engine testing is completed in the spring. Overall, EPA is making the right choice for our economy, our environment, and our national security,” Buis said.
Growth Energy was formed in November 2008. Its top priority was expanding market access for ethanol, and by March 2009, Growth Energy had submitted the Green Jobs Waiver to EPA on behalf of 54 ethanol producers. Since 1978, EPA has approved 11 waivers. The first waiver created the 10 percent ethanol blend. None of the previous 11 waivers approved by EPA was supported by as much independent analysis – scientific, technical and economic data – as the Growth Energy Green Jobs Waiver.
###
About Growth Energy
Growth Energy is a group committed to the promise of agriculture and growing America’s economy through cleaner, greener energy. Growth Energy members recognize America needs a new ethanol approach. Through smart policy reform and a proactive grassroots campaign, Growth energy promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, expanding the use of ethanol in gasoline, decreasing our dependence on foreign oil, and creating American jobs at home. More information can be found at GrowthEnergy.org.