WASHINGTON, D.C. — Growth Energy has submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in support of the use of higher biofuel blends in the Final Determination of the Mid-Term Evaluation of Greenhouse Gas Emission (GHG) Standard for Model Years 2022-2025 Light-Duty Vehicles.
“Vehicles and fuels operate as a system, so it’s not only logical, but truly essential to explore the benefits of high-octane fuels, like ethanol, when considering the potential achievements of future fuel economy standards. Ethanol significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, demonstrably supports automakers in achieving future fuel economy standards, and helps to reduce consumer costs,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor.
“Additionally, biofuels ensure that consumers have access to fuels that are renewable, support our nation’s energy security, and invest in rural America, all while providing savings at the pump. We sincerely hope the agency will take these important facts into account as it reconsiders the standards for 2022 and beyond.”
Growth Energy’s comments highlight the tremendous environmental benefits of higher ethanol blends, like the 43 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions (according to the USDA), significant reduction in particulate matter emissions, and the potential fuel efficiency gains through ethanol’s high-octane value.
Growth Energy has led the effort for approval of high-octane, midlevel ethanol blends, first submitting the concept of a high-octane, E30 certification fuel to EPA in 2012 when the vehicle standards were being developed. Growth Energy also provided significant comments to the agency’s examination of the 2022-2025 standards last year. Chris Bliley, Growth Energy’s Vice President of Regulatory Affairs, previously provided testimony in support of the use of high-octane biofuel blends as a means toward achieving any future CAFE and GHG vehicle standards during the September 6 EPA hearing.
Growth Energy’s full comments can be found here.