Auto group wants to see ethanol requirements lowered

Fuel Fix:

t’s time for the federal government to “put motorists first” by lowering renewable fuel requirements that could cause gas prices to climb, the automotive club AAA said Monday.

So far, the debate surrounding the eight-year-old renewable fuel standard has been dominated by biofuel producers and the oil industry.

But now, said AAA president Bob Darbelnet, “there is a real opportunity to put motorists first in what has been a very contentious disagreement between various industries.”

“Gas and car maintenance costs are high enough as it is, and it would be a relief to know that the (renewable fuel standard) will not cause significant problems for consumers next year,” Darbelnet added.

‘Unrealistic’: API wants EPA to reconsider 2013 biofuel quotas

The Environmental Protection Agency is expected to propose the 2014 volumetric quotas for renewable fuels soon, including traditional supplies made with ethanol and advanced biofuels created with non-edible materials. Amid fierce lobbying by the oil industry, it appears the EPA may lower targets below statutory levels. A widely circulated draft of the proposal would require 13 billion gallons of corn-based ethanol, while lowering quotas for advanced biofuels and other categories.

The oil industry wants an even lower amount to avoid a so-called “blend wall,” the point where the requirements force refiners to mix in more ethanol than the 10 percent blend that has been approved for use in all cars and trucks. Although the EPA has approved a 15-percent blend known as E15 for cars and trucks made since 2001, automakers and oil refiners insist it can damage those vehicles and harm older ones.

AAA said the blend wall could send gas prices higher or force the increased use of E15, with likely “negative consumer consequences…given that most cars can only use E10 gasoline.”

Studies by a group funded by the auto and oil industries have found that sustained use of E15 could cause accelerated engine wear, fuel-system damage and false “check engine” lights in some cars.
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I would like to see us do away with the requirements entirely and let ethanol producers sell their product without subsidies or mandates.  Let the marketplace decide how much needs to be sold if any.  It lowers the efficency of engines and hurts fuel economy.  I think it is driving up the cost of fuel and food..  The rule was a product of perceived scarcity before the shale revolution made domestic fuels more abundant.