What’s Happening with Enhanced Ethanol-Blended Fuel?

The Trump administration announced in late 2018 it would end certain limits on blending higher concentrations of ethanol with gasoline. The process of putting that into practice is in the hands of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which faces a May 2019 deadline to complete that work. Amid speculation the government shutdown slowed the process, EPA subsequently said in a Reuters report that the rule would be completed in time for the summer driving season. 

If that occurs, the days of fuel-dispensing outlets that offer E15 changing-out labels that state the fuel is safe for vehicles manufactured in 2001 or later (temporarily replacing them with labels about the summer-time E15 prohibition) might soon be over.

In 2011, EPA approved E15 for use in light-duty conventional vehicles of model year 2001 and newer, through a Clean Air Act waiver request, based on significant testing and research funded by the U.S. Department of Energy. The EPA’s position had been that summertime use of E15 puts more emissions into the atmosphere than smog-regulations permit. Ethanol producers disagree with this assessment.

Demand for E15

Fuel-dispensing outlets are likely assessing how much more demand there might be for E15 on a year-round basis. The U.S. Department of Energy states E15 is not widely available; sold at more than 1,400 stations in 29 states. But an interesting article on this topic appeared in American Agriculturalist, which noted in part that “…retailers are seeing higher demand for E15 when it is added as a choice. Having the Trump administration make the move to make it a year-round fuel could open the door to more sales, too…”

Stations are not required to sell E15, but some have started offering E15 due to equipment grants and better profit margins when compared with regular gasoline. Consumer education about the differences between E10 and E15 will almost certainly increase over time. An article in Axle Addict  gives E15 an edge with emissions, improved fuel economy, and engine performance. “And even though E15 has higher octane than E10, it normally costs less per gallon.”

There are additional regulations for stations selling blends above E10. For more information, visit the Department of Energy’s Codes, Standards, and Safety web page.

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.

Fueling the Fight Against Breast Cancer

There are tons of ways to be part of the campaign against breast cancer this October. But here’s one that’s really easy. The retailers at Minnoco, Minnesota Independent Oil Company, are donating two-cents for every gallon of Unleaded Plus/E15 gasoline purchased at their locations around Minneapolis and St. Paul to an organization that helps cancer patients through their difficult time.  Where E15 isn’t available, the offer applies to purchases of Mid-grade gasoline.

And it’s easy to identify which Minnoco gas pumps to use so you can take part in this fundraiser. They have nozzle hand guards and splash guards --- PINK ones! –  supplied by Husky Corporation.  Track the progress of this fundraising initiative at http://minnoco.com/

 

The promotion serves a dual purpose. Proceeds from the donation will go to Hope Chest for Breast Cancer Foundation, which helps meet the most urgent emergency needs of financially challenged breast cancer patients in the Twin Cities local area.

It also provides an incentive to try gasoline blended with 15 percent ethanol. While most gasoline is blended with at least 10 percent ethanol, the EPA has approved E15 for use in vehicles made during or after 2001. Minnoco offers Unleaded Plus/E15 at 17 locations right now with more coming on line in 2016.

The Minnoco campaign to fuel the fight against breast cancer will be underway through the end of October!