The Road to Year-Round E15 in the United States

President Trump's announcement that year-round sales of gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol would be approved by the administration has been a long-standing goal for U.S. corn producers. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) needs to take the required steps to formalize the announcement, which is a process that could take an undetermined amount of time. An article published by Agriculture.com summarizes what that may entail.

Gasoline retailers interested in offering E15 probably have a bit of time to plan for the transition.  About 2,000 U.S. stations currently offer E15, which is less than two percent of all outlets. Present rules limit sales to summer months under the Reid Vapor Rule, which the EPA uses "to reduce evaporative emissions from gasoline that contribute to ground-level ozone and diminish the effects of ozone-related health problems." The president's announcement would make E15 exempt from the Reid Vapor Rule. Experts say there's little vapor pressure difference when compared to E10.

The petroleum dispensing industry has been getting ready for this change for a number of years. Fuel nozzle valves manufactured since April 30, 2015 have been covered by updated UL standards.  UL2586 applies to nozzle valves that dispense gasoline containing up to 10 percent ethanol, while UL2586A applies to nozzles valves with concentrations of up to 85 percent ethanol.

Husky Corporation participated in an article for the PEI Journal that lays out the specifics of the new standards dealing with enhanced ethanol blends. We hope you find it helpful in planning your operations if you would like to market E15.

An article in CSP daily notes that "The EPA approved the use of E15 in model-year 2001 and newer light-duty vehicles. Today, this represents more than 92 percent of registered cars and trucks, according to the (Renewable Fuels Association) RFA." The RFA provided the information to counter concerns by some that E15 could damage vehicles and void warranties.