EPA Signals Support for Higher Ethanol Blends but Delays Decision

The New York Times
By ALLISON WINTER of Greenwire
Published: December 1, 2009

U.S. EPA said today that it may allow the mixing of larger amounts of ethanol with gasoline, but the agency delayed a final decision on the matter until mid-2010 to allow for additional testing.

In a letter to biofuels advocate Growth Energy, EPA hinted that it is likely to support raising the ethanol limit above the 10 percent allowed in gasoline under current regulations. The agency said two tests it has completed on the 15 percent ethanol blend, known as E15, suggest that engines in newer cars will likely be able to accommodate the fuel.

"Should the test results remain supportive and provide the necessary basis, we would be in a position to approve E15 for 2001 and newer vehicles in the mid-year timeframe," EPA Assistant Administrator Gina McCarthy wrote.

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