HAVE A GREAT WEDNESDAY READERS!

EPA continues to push it's 15% ethanol gas or "E15" agenda. It announced yesterday that is is now accepting registration applications from companies who choose to sell E15. This is despite several lawsuits from the Automobile Manufacturers Associations (domestic and foreign), the small engine power association and the Marine Manufacturers Association.

What all consumers should know, and probably DON'T know, is that despite the EPA's 15% ethanol gasoline approval announcement in January, 2011, claiming it was safe to use in all 2001 and newer passenger cars and light trucks, nearly ALL owners manuals for 2001 and newer vehicles warn owners "not to use gasoline with greater than 10% ethanol, or engine damage could occur and the vehicles warranty will be voided". Did you bother to check your owners manual? I have a 2008 Mercury Sable and a 2009 Ford F-150. They both warn against using gas with greater than 10% ethanol.

Even retailers are now balking at selling E15. Read the article titled "Retailers want liability protection before considering E15" on my website's "Current Ethanol News" page. The biggest fear with 15% is the "misfueling" issue, that is, putting this gas into equipment it is NOT designed for, causing damage to the engine. Since the price of E15 will likely be about 10 cents/gallon cheaper than 10% ethanol gas, it will be tempting to consumers to use in lawnmowers and small garden tools, marine engines and older vehicles. The results could be catastrophic and be very costly. This is what I tried to warn the Louisiana Legislators in 2009 and 2010 when I testified before the Agriculture Committee in 2009 and the Commerce Committee in 2010. They didn't seem interested......typical politicians. I may again try to convince them to pass a law to cap ethanol gas in Louisiana at 10%. At least one other State has such a law currently.

Here's the EPA announcement on registering to sell E15:

EPA Approves First Applications for Registration of Ethanol to Make E15

EPA to Allow 15 Percent Renewable Fuel in Gasoline**

Agency approves first applications for registration of ethanol to make E15

WASHINGTON-–April 2, 2012: The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the first applications for registration of ethanol for use in making gasoline that contains up to 15 percent ethanol -- known as E15. Ethanol is a renewable fuel that can be mixed with gasoline. For over 30 years ethanol has been blended into gasoline, but the law limited it to 10 percent by volume for use in gasoline-fueled vehicles. Registration of ethanol to make E15 is a significant step toward its production, sale, and use in model year 2001 and newer gasoline-fueled cars and light trucks.

To enable widespread use of E15, the Obama Administration has set a goal to help fueling station owners install 10,000 blender pumps over the next 5 years. In addition, both through the Recovery Act and the 2008 Farm Bill, the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and U.S. Department of Agriculture have provided grants, loans and loan guarantees to spur American ingenuity on the next generation of biofuels.

Today's action follows an extensive technical review required by law. Registration is a prerequisite to introducing E15 into the marketplace. Before it can be sold, manufactures must first take additional measures to help ensure retail stations and other gasoline distributors understand and implement labeling rules and other E15-related requirements. EPA is not requiring the use or sale of E15.

Ethanol is considered a renewable fuel because it is generally produced from plant products or wastes and not from fossil fuels. Ethanol is blended with gasoline for use in most areas across the country. After extensive vehicle testing by DOE and other organizations, EPA issued two partial waivers raising the allowable ethanol volume to 15 percent for use in model year 2001 and newer cars and light trucks.

E15 is not permitted for use in motor vehicles built prior to 2001 model year and in off-road vehicles and equipment such as boats and lawn and garden equipment. Gas pumps dispensing E15 will be clearly labeled so consumers can make the right choice.

"Pete" Landry.........comments welcome at .............way2gopete@yahoo.com