API urges Trump administration to abandon anti-consumer E15 policy

WASHINGTON, September 28, 2018 – With the Trump administration poised to make a decision that would push more E15 fuel into the nation's gasoline supply, today API Downstream Group Director Frank Macchiarola told reporters the administration needs to step back from this ill-advised course.

“First, the E15 waiver is a flawed, anti-consumer policy. Auto industry studies have shown E15 can damage vehicle engines and fuel systems – potentially leaving consumers on the hook for expensive repair bills. In fact, three out of four vehicles on the road today were not designed for E15.  

“Secondly, this decision is contrary to the clear letter of the law as it is explicitly disallowed under the Clean Air Act.  You don’t have to take my word for it – in the past, EPA has agreed numerous times that the agency does NOT have the authority to extend the RVP waiver to E15.

“Finally, this decision could potentially destroy any opportunity at consensus, bipartisan reform.  Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle agree that this broken program needs to be fixed.  The president agrees that this broken program needs to be fixed.  However, this so-called deal from the EPA does NOTHING to fix this program, and only makes the RFS’ RIN requirements even more burdensome for refiners.  It arguably makes it worse and certainly makes it more difficult to achieve consensus RFS reform that is lasting and meaningful.”

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the oil and natural gas industry, which supports 10.3 million U.S. jobs and nearly 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 600 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 47 million Americans.