WASHINGTON - The Obama administration has approved a 50percent increase in the amount of ethanol used in fuel blends, but only for newer vehicles, a decision that critics say could confuse consumers.
The Environmental Protection Agency said yesterday it will allow blends to include as much as 15percent ethanol, up from the current 10percent limit. The ruling is part of an effort to reduce the nation's reliance on fossil fuels and decrease oil imports.
Yet, a 15 percent blend is not deemed suitable for older vehicles. The EPA said gas stations will be required to clearly label their pumps to prevent customers from buying the wrong fuel.
The agency said the so-called E15 blend should be used only in vehicles built in 2007 or later. The blend should not be used for cars and trucks made before 2001 because they were not designed for higher ethanol blends.
The agency is still reviewing data on vehicles made from 2001 to 2006, with results expected in November.
To mitigate the impact of its decision, the agency said it will not mandate that gas stations offer the E15 blend.
"Ultimately it will be up to fuel suppliers and retailers to make it available," said Gina McCarthy, a senior EPA administrator. "It's by no means assured the market will develop quickly."
The risk of consumer confusion and potential legal liabilities have spurred a number of groups, such as automakers, boat builders and refiners, to oppose the EPA ruling.
"The large majority of today's vehicle warranties only cover gasoline with up to 10percent ethanol," said spokesman Bob Greco of the American Petroleum Institute. "More ethanol in gasoline could result in the voiding of customer warranties."
Also fighting E15 is an unusual collection of other foes such as livestock ranchers and environmentalists.
Refiners lament the cost and complexity of supplying different blends to gas stations. Ranchers worry that it will drive up costs as farmers shift away from growing corn for feed. Environmentalists say higher blends will lead to the clearing of more land for corn.
Supporters of higher ethanol blends contend that it will reduce the nation's dependency on foreign suppliers of oil and keep more U.S. dollars at home, helping the American economy.
Under federal law, the U.S. is supposed to double the amount of alternative fuels by 2022. Ethanol, a byproduct of corn, is the most readily available type
The Environmental Protection Agency said yesterday it will allow blends to include as much as 15percent ethanol, up from the current 10percent limit. The ruling is part of an effort to reduce the nation's reliance on fossil fuels and decrease oil imports.
Yet, a 15 percent blend is not deemed suitable for older vehicles. The EPA said gas stations will be required to clearly label their pumps to prevent customers from buying the wrong fuel.
The agency said the so-called E15 blend should be used only in vehicles built in 2007 or later. The blend should not be used for cars and trucks made before 2001 because they were not designed for higher ethanol blends.
The agency is still reviewing data on vehicles made from 2001 to 2006, with results expected in November.
To mitigate the impact of its decision, the agency said it will not mandate that gas stations offer the E15 blend.
"Ultimately it will be up to fuel suppliers and retailers to make it available," said Gina McCarthy, a senior EPA administrator. "It's by no means assured the market will develop quickly."
The risk of consumer confusion and potential legal liabilities have spurred a number of groups, such as automakers, boat builders and refiners, to oppose the EPA ruling.
"The large majority of today's vehicle warranties only cover gasoline with up to 10percent ethanol," said spokesman Bob Greco of the American Petroleum Institute. "More ethanol in gasoline could result in the voiding of customer warranties."
Also fighting E15 is an unusual collection of other foes such as livestock ranchers and environmentalists.
Refiners lament the cost and complexity of supplying different blends to gas stations. Ranchers worry that it will drive up costs as farmers shift away from growing corn for feed. Environmentalists say higher blends will lead to the clearing of more land for corn.
Supporters of higher ethanol blends contend that it will reduce the nation's dependency on foreign suppliers of oil and keep more U.S. dollars at home, helping the American economy.
Under federal law, the U.S. is supposed to double the amount of alternative fuels by 2022. Ethanol, a byproduct of corn, is the most readily available type
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