WASHINGTON, DC – A recent ad launched by industry groups opposed to an increase in ethanol in gasoline completely ignores the academic, government and third-party research that proves a 15 percent blend of ethanol in gasoline can help clean our environment and create jobs, all without any impact on the drivability of our cars, said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy, in a statement released today.
Growth Energy’s Green Jobs Waiver, submitted to the Environmental Protection Agency in March 2009, seeks an increase in the allowable blend of ethanol with gasoline from 10 percent to 15 percent. In December, the EPA indicated that engine testing so far showed that 2001-and later vehicles could be eligible for E15. In their letter, they wrote, “Although all of the studies have not been completed, our engineering assessment to date indicates 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.” A full decision is expected by the fall.
“For these industry groups to say that E15 is untested is ludicrous,” said CEO Tom Buis, “Exhaustive data from academic and government institutions demonstrates that raising the blend to E15 would have no effect on engine performance or durability.
“Increasing the use of ethanol in our cars will only benefit our country. Approval of our waiver would create more than 136,000 new jobs in the U.S., reduce our dependence on foreign oil by 7 billion gallons, reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing 10.5 million cars from the road, and revitalize our rural communities.”
Buis noted that the Growth Energy Green Jobs Waiver was accompanied by more scientific data – more independently-gathered statistical information and study – than any of the previous 11 waivers approved by the Environmental Protection Agency.
The research supporting the Green Jobs Waiver is summarized here.
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About Growth EnergyGrowth 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.