Fuels & Renewable Policy
Since the inception of the ethanol mandate a decade ago, the United States has undergone an energy transformation from a nation of energy dependence and scarcity to one of energy security and abundance. America has significantly increased domestic crude oil production and transitioned from a net importer of refined petroleum products to a net exporter. It is well past time to reform outdated energy policies to reflect the energy realities of today and tomorrow.
Today, most gasoline contains 10 percent ethanol by volume. However, if the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) requirements continue to be implemented, our nation could exceed this level of ethanol in the fuel mix. Extensive testing by the automotive and oil industries shows higher ethanol blends may result in damaged engines and fuel systems for owners of the overwhelming majority of cars as well as boats, lawnmowers and other gasoline engines. Automakers have warned these increased blends of ethanol could void car warranties. Increased RFS volumes could also cost consumers money and choice, and threaten far higher costs in the form of engine damage.
Simply stated, the RFS mandate creates potential harm to the American consumer.
Related: News Releases | Testimony and Speeches| Blog Posts | Fill Up On Facts
An Analysis of the Renewable Fuel Standard’s RIN Market
API commissioned an analysis prepared by Covington & Burling to better understand the market behavior and consumer impacts of EPA’s proposed reforms. The report makes clear that the administration’s reform proposal for biofuels credits, known as Renewable Identification Numbers or RINs, under the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), both misdiagnose the problem and provide misguided and counterproductive cures.
E15 Public Poll Result 2018
Among the findings:
- 79% of voters are concerned about EPA expanding the use of E15 (slide 6), and this concern is nonpartisan (slide 7: R=78%; I=77%; D=81%)
- 83% of voters are concerned an E15 mandate could increase costs to consumers (slide 10) and, again, this is nonpartisan (slide 11: R=85%; I=78%; D=85%)
- 68% of voters are concerned consumers could mistakenly use E15 and damage their engines (slide 8)
- 81% of voters are concerned about government requirements that could breach the “blend wall” (slide 12)
Fill up on Facts: The U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard
In an effort to expand the nation’s renewable fuels sector while reducing reliance on imported oil and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Congress created the renewable fuel standard (RFS) program. The program does not, however, effectively achieve its intended goals.
Renewable Fuel Standard White Paper
On May 18, 2016, the Environmental Protection Agency (“EPA”) released its Proposed Renewable Fuel Standards for 2017 and the Biomass Based Diesel Volume for 2018. As policymakers and the public consider this proposal, it is important to provide an overview of current Renewable Fuel Policy and a roadmap for fundamental policy change. Renewable Fuels have been mandated under federal law for over a decade, and our current renewable fuels policy is outdated, and ineffective. Government fuel blending requirements are constraining free market forces, supporting uneconomic activity, and limiting consumer choice.
Facts about the Renewable Fuel Standard
The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 included an expanded Renewable Fuel Standard, which the EPA used to develop a final rule effective July 1, 2010. To comply with the Standard, biofuel producers and importers must blend increasing amounts of biofuels into gasoline and diesel.
E85 - Not a Solution to Blend Wall
Only six out of 100 cars on the road today can even use E85.
RFS2, Ethanol Blendwall and NERA Study
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.
What Others are Saying
What other parties are saying about the Renewable Fuel Standard and concerns regarding E-15 and E85.
API Comments to Fuels-Related Rulemakings
API continues support common sense fuels regulations and urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to promulgate Renewable Fuel Standard requirements that reflect the realities of the ethanol blend wall.
Truth About E15 Fuel
Washington is considering a new plan to increase the amount of ethanol in your gas tank. Gasoline with blends of ethanol more than 10 percent could be harmful to your engine or void your warranty.