The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (www.epa.gov) is seeking public comments on a waiver application to increase the amount of ethanol that can be blended into a gallon of gasoline to up to 15 volume percent (E15). Since 1978, the limit has been at 10 percent volume ethanol (E10) for conventional (non flex-fuel) vehicles. The comment period will be open for 30 days after the notice is published in the Federal Register.
Growth Energy and 54 ethanol manufacturers submitted the E15 application to EPA on March 6, 2009. Current statute calls for EPA to make a decision within 270 days of receipt, which is Dec. 1, 2009.
For more information on the E15 request, visit www.epa.gov/otaq/additive.htm.
