Biden to permit increased ethanol blends in gas throughout the year: Report
The Biden Administration to Grant Midwestern States’ Request for Year-Round Sale of Higher Ethanol Blends
The Biden administration is set to fulfill a request from Midwestern state leaders to allow the year-round sale of higher blends of ethanol in gasoline starting in 2025. This decision, however, is likely to receive mixed reactions from the states, as they had pushed for the expansion but not the delayed start date.
The action, reported by Reuters, would fulfill a petition filed in 2022 by the governors of Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin, who had asked the administration for year-round sales of E15 gasoline, which is 15% ethanol.
While the 2025 start date falls far later than what the Midwestern states had hoped for, there is a possibility that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) could grant temporary authorization to enable E15 sales as needed in the near term.
The final decision on the ethanol-blend gasoline is expected to be issued by the administration by the end of March.
Win for Midwestern States and Ethanol Lobby
An expansion of E15 gasoline sales would be a significant victory for Midwestern states and the ethanol lobby, both of which have been advocating for the lifting of restrictions on ethanol gas set under the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Proponents of ethanol gasoline argue that the Renewable Fuel Standard overstates the environmental effects of ethanol and leads to higher gasoline prices due to increased compliance costs.
However, this expansion is likely to face criticism from supporters of more stringent standards, who believe that limiting ethanol helps reduce transportation-based carbon dioxide emissions released by drivers.
Currently, the administration restricts sales of higher-percentage ethanol blend gasoline during the summer months, when smog is worse due to warmer temperatures.
News of the E15 extension comes just months before the November presidential election, where Wisconsin and Minnesota, two of the states involved, will play a crucial role in determining President Joe Biden’s potential second term.
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER
Biden had previously directed the EPA to lift near-term restrictions on E15 in 2022 to help combat soaring gas prices following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
The Washington Examiner’s request for comment from the White House and the EPA went unanswered.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of granting access to E15 and E20 ethanol blends year-round?
D access to E15 and E20 ethanol blends. These blends contain 15% and 20% ethanol, respectively, and are considered higher blends compared to the standard E10 blend commonly available in most gas stations.
Ethanol is a renewable fuel made from crops such as corn and sugarcane. It has been promoted as a way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and decrease dependence on fossil fuels. The use of ethanol blends in gasoline has been supported by the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), which sets annual targets for the blending of biofuels into the nation’s fuel supply.
Currently, due to regulations under the Clean Air Act, the sale of higher ethanol blends is restricted during the summer months when ozone levels are higher. The restrictions are in place to minimize the formation of smog, as higher ethanol blends can increase emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that contribute to smog formation.
The Midwestern states, known as the “Corn Belt,” are major producers of ethanol and have been pushing for expanded access to higher ethanol blends. They argue that the current restrictions on year-round sales hamper the growth of the ethanol industry and limit market opportunities for corn farmers.
The Biden administration’s decision to grant the Midwestern states’ request comes as part of its broader efforts to combat climate change and support renewable energy sources. President Biden has outlined ambitious climate goals, including a commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050.
However, the delayed start date of 2025 has raised concerns among some stakeholders. Critics argue that by waiting four more years to allow the year-round sale of higher ethanol blends, the administration is missing an opportunity to accelerate the transition to cleaner fuels and reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector.
On the other hand, supporters of the decision argue that the delayed start date allows for more time to address potential concerns related to the increased use of higher ethanol blends. They believe that conducting further research and implementing necessary infrastructure upgrades will ensure a smooth transition and avoid any negative impacts on vehicle performance or emission control systems.
Overall, the Biden administration’s decision to grant the Midwestern states’ request for the year-round sale of higher ethanol blends represents a balance between supporting the ethanol industry and addressing environmental concerns. It acknowledges the importance of renewable fuels in the transition to a greener economy while also considering the need for careful planning and implementation.
Moving forward, it will be crucial for the administration to work closely with stakeholders, including ethanol producers, automakers, and environmental groups, to ensure that the expansion of higher ethanol blends is done in a way that maximizes benefits and minimizes potential drawbacks. This will require continued research, investment in infrastructure, and effective regulations to safeguard air quality and mitigate any unintended negative consequences.
As the transition to cleaner fuels continues, it is important to explore a wide range of options and technologies that can help reduce carbon emissions in the transportation sector. Ethanol can play a significant role in this transition as a renewable and domestically produced fuel. However, a comprehensive approach that takes into account the entire life cycle of biofuels, from feedstock production to fuel combustion, will be necessary to fully understand and optimize their environmental impacts. With the right policies and investments, the expansion of higher ethanol blends can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient energy future.
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