Alternative Fuels and Renewables Policy

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA) expanded the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) with significant increases in biofuel volume mandates.  However increasing ethanol blends to E15 for use in millions of cars currently on the road could damage vehicles, void engine warranties, and damage gasoline station infrastructure. E85 remains a specialty fuel, with low consumer demand, and infrastructure investments from gas station owners would be required to expand distribution.

The American Automobile Association’s call to halt the sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol, also known as E15, prompted a number of claims from Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Bob Dinneen.

Analysis of the effects of increasing the ethanol blend ratio to E15 from the current E10 standard.

The EPA sent a letter to various groups, including API, answering a frequently asked question on whether E15 is currently legal to sell for 2001 model year and newer cars and trucks.

View a map of U.S. gasoline requirements.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has issued new standards to improve air quality. To meet EPA standards, the petroleum industry is producing Ultra Low Sulfur Diesel (ULSD) fuel, a cleaner-burning diesel fuel containing a maximum 15 parts-per-million (ppm) sulfur. In combination with cleaner-burning diesel engines and vehicles, ULSD fuel will help to improve air quality by significantly reducing emissions.