DOE, ethanol groups: Big Oil's E15 testing seriously flawed

Ethanol Producer Magazine
By Kris Bevill
May 16, 2012

Ethanol industry groups and U.S. DOE officials responded immediately to a research report released May 16 by auto and petroleum groups attempting to highlight potential engine issues related to E15 use, calling the report inaccurate and “meaningless.”

The testing was conducted on behalf of the Coordinating Research Council, a non-profit organization funded by automobile and oil companies. Tests took place over the course of two years and included 28 engines representing eight various light-duty vehicle types from model year 2001 through 2009. The test results claim to prove that E15 could damage valves and valve seals in some 2001-2009 vehicle models, leading to loss of engine power and engine damage, as well as decreased fuel efficiency and increased vehicle emissions.

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