WASHINGTON, DC — Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor today celebrated a major regulatory victory that will open the nation’s fourth largest fuel market to E15 – fuel mixed with 15 percent ethanol. Under a rule finalized today by the New York Department of Agriculture and Markets, New York will become the newest state to allow the sale of E15, which is approved by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for all vehicles model year 2001 and newer.
“It’s exciting to see New York regulators finalize this vital update, and we thank Governor Cuomo and the Department of Agriculture and Markets for giving Empire State motorists access to cleaner, more affordable choices at the pump,” said Skor. “Over the last five years, Growth Energy has worked continuously with state policymakers to bring higher-octane, lower-emissions biofuel blends to the nation’s fourth largest fuel market. New York has been a pioneer in the climate movement, and their adoption of E15 is consistent with their commitment to a low-carbon transportation future. If New York transitioned from E10 to E15, it would lower carbon emissions by 748,000 tons per year, which is the equivalent of removing approximately 129,400 vehicles from New York’s roads. We look forward to working with retailers across the state to quickly get E15 into the market and establish New York’s continued leadership in low-carbon fuels.”
Over the last five years, Growth Energy has worked hand-in-hand with community leaders, retailers, farm advocates, and biofuel supporters across New York to push for a long-overdue update to the state’s fuel regulations. Among those champions is Growth Energy member Western New York Energy, led by President and CEO Timothy Winters.
“This important update will allow more New York motorists to make their own decisions about purchasing renewable fuel blends, saving money and protecting the air,” said Winters. “It also will support economic development and farmers in communities like Orleans County, where Western New York Energy is proud to produce more than 60 million gallons of ethanol annually.”
Last month, American drivers topped 11 billion miles on E15, and adoption rates continue to rise following recent regulatory changes by the EPA to permit year-round sales of the fuel. To accelerate that progress, Growth Energy continues to tear down commercial barriers through the Prime the Pump (PTP) program, which has helped expand E15 to nearly 2,000 locations across the country. Growth Energy also recently launched a new partnership with GasBuddy to help consumers find the nearest E15 location and hosted a retailer workshop last month in Syracuse, New York for area retailers interested in offering higher octane fuels options like E15 and E85.