Today, Growth Energy submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) on their joint proposed Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Rule (SAFE). In their comments, Growth Energy reiterated support of the use of a high-octane, midlevel ethanol blend to meet the future standards, regardless of where they are set. The rule would amend existing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for vehicle model years 2021-26.
“The science behind the benefits of midlevel ethanol-blended fuels like E25 and E30 is well documented by national laboratories, automobile manufactures, and scientific institutions,” said Growth Energy Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley. “Stable policies and access to market drivers will enable our industry to provide low-carbon, more affordable, high-performing, sustainable vehicle fuel solutions.”
Growth Energy has long advocated for higher octane, midlevel ethanol blends and first submitted a proposal for a 100 RON, E30 fuel nearly seven years ago, when the agencies first developed joint standards for vehicles. Most recently, Bliley testified on this topic at an EPA/NHTSA hearing in Dearborn, Michigan, on Sept. 25, 2018.
Growth Energy will continue to encourage EPA and NHTSA to remove regulatory barriers to the adoption of high octane, midlevel ethanol blends like E25 and E30. This would include approving fuel blends like a 100 RON, E30 fuel for vehicle certification. It would also include requiring minimum octane standards, updating fuel economy formulas, re-establishing flex-vehicle credits, and ensuring year-round sales of E15 and higher blends by June 1, 2019, which would provide cleaner, more affordable fuel for our nation’s drivers.
Go here to view a full copy of our submitted comments.
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For further information contact:
Leigh Claffey
(202) 545-4000
[email protected]
On May 31, 21 members of the House, led by Rep. Darin LaHood, R-Ill., sent a letter to U.S. Trade Representative Katherine Tai urging her to protect U.S. farmers and biofuel producers and prioritize U.S. #ethanol export competitiveness in Brazil.https://t.co/Ugx88bA1KT https://t.co/bmf7EjdNxA
via @EthanolMagazine
Protecting #IA04 farmers and #ethanol producers will always be a top priority for me in Congress. I appreciate working with my @WaysandMeansGOP colleague @RepLaHood to ensure American ethanol exports receive fair treatment and robust market access in Brazil. https://t.co/pX246NiqLn
via @RepFeenstra
.@NUVUFUELS: "In Michigan alone, the higher biofuel blend offers drivers more than $1 billion in fuel savings annually, reduces emissions, and supports the state’s rural economy." twitter.com/Lwl_First_Look…
via @GrowthEnergy
Celebrated the nation's second #E15 standard with @RFNebraska's Dawn Caldwell and Traci Menke. Thank you for your work getting #LB562 signed into law. Nebraskan families will see savings at the pump this summer! cc: @LadyOfAg https://t.co/uPgLthktdZ
via @EmilySkor