Growth Energy submitted comments to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA) on their joint proposed Safer Affordable Fuel-Efficient Vehicle Rule (SAFE). In their comments, Growth Energy reiterated support of the use of a high-octane, midlevel ethanol blend to meet the future standards, regardless of where they are set. The rule would amend existing Corporate Average Fuel Economy (CAFE) and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions standards for vehicle model years 2021-26.
“The science behind the benefits of midlevel ethanol-blended fuels like E25 and E30 is well documented by national laboratories, automobile manufactures, and scientific institutions,” said Growth Energy Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley. “Stable policies and access to market drivers will enable our industry to provide low-carbon, more affordable, high-performing, sustainable vehicle fuel solutions.”
Growth Energy has long advocated for higher octane, midlevel ethanol blends and first submitted a proposal for a 100 RON, E30 fuel nearly seven years ago, when the agencies first developed joint standards for vehicles. Most recently, Bliley testified on this topic at an EPA/NHTSA hearing in Dearborn, Michigan, on Sept. 25, 2018.
Growth Energy will continue to encourage EPA and NHTSA to remove regulatory barriers to the adoption of high octane, midlevel ethanol blends like E25 and E30. This would include approving fuel blends like a 100 RON, E30 fuel for vehicle certification. It would also include requiring minimum octane standards, updating fuel economy formulas, re-establishing flex-vehicle credits, and ensuring year-round sales of E15 and higher blends by June 1, 2019, which would provide cleaner, more affordable fuel for our nation’s drivers.
