Domestic Fuel

Another step toward getting 15% ethanol blended fuel on the road was taken today by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

EPA has released the final official government label for fuel pumps to dispense blends containing up to 15 percent ethanol, known as E15.

“The new orange and black label must appear on fuel pumps that dispense E15,” according to the EPA news release announcing the new labeling. “This label will help inform consumers about which vehicles can use E15. This label will also warn consumers against using E15 in vehicles older than model year 2001, motorcycles, watercraft, and gasoline-powered equipment such as lawnmowers and chainsaws.”

In response to a request by Growth Energy and 54 ethanol manufacturers under the Clean Air Act, the EPA granted two partial waivers that allow, but do not require, the use gasoline that contains up to 15 % ethanol for use in model year 2001 and newer light-duty motor vehicles. “This is another step in the process to get E15 into the marketplace later this year, which will create U.S. jobs, improve the environment and strengthen national security by displacing foreign oil,” said Growth Energy CEO Tom Buis of the new labeling regulation.

The final label is less threatening than the original proposal by EPA that was bright orange and said “CAUTION” in large red letters. The ethanol industry had provided comments to EPA regarding the label and suggesting that it be toned down.