Saturday, February 8, 2014

EPA Proposed Ethanol Rule Comment Period

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14NR03 - MRF News Release -  EPA Proposed Ethanol Rule Comment Period

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
22 January 2014
Contact:Jeff Hennie, Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs

EPA Proposed Ethanol Rule Comment Period
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering altering the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to lower the amount of ethanol produced in 2014. The proposed drop in ethanol production is a result of the Obama administration acknowledging that the biofuel law, RFS, is not working as well as expected. The proposal would require almost three billion gallons less be sold at market in 2014.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) Vice President of Government Relations and Public Affairs, Jeff Hennie, testified at a hearing held by the EPA on this proposed rule in December 2013.

The higher blends, such as E15, have not been tested on motorcycles, and the extent of the damage is just beginning to be realized by those who have used the blend. Of particular concern to motorcyclists is that many manufactures are voiding warranties in cases where E15 is used in the motorcycle and causing damage.

Demand for the higher blends of ethanol, such as E15, a blend of 15 percent ethanol to 85 percent traditional fuel, has been lower than expected. This shrinking of the marketplace has the EPA rethinking the future of biofuels.

The EPA is requesting comments on the proposal to drop the amount of ethanol produced in the U.S. in 2014. You can add your thoughts to the proposal by visiting www.regualtions.gov and searching for Docket ID No. EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0479.

The deadline for comments is January 28th, 2014. The MRF encourages you to let the EPA know how you feel about lowering the amount of ethanol to be produced.

Link: http://www.regulations.gov/#!docketDetail;D=EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0479