EPA approves higher percentage ethanol fuel for some vehicles

As should come as no surprise, the EPA approved a higher percentage of Ethanol to be mixed into gasoline for vehicles made between 2001 and 2006. Automakers were none too pleased, and said they would probably contest the decision in court. E-15, which can contain an ethanol content of 15% mixed into gasoline was approved for use last October in cars made in 2007 or later. Now the EPA has extended that to include the aforementioned vehicles.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said that after ‘thorough testing’, it has been determined that the use of E-15 in cars manufactured between 2001 and 2006 will allow moor home grown fuels to be used, without causing harm to emissions systems in cars and light trucks. Auto manufacturers highly disagree, saying that the corrosive nature of E-15 will cause havoc on emissions systems.

“All the data is not in to prove that E-15 won’t have a negative effect on any vehicles,” said Mike Stanton, president of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers.

– By: Stephen Calogera

Source: Detroit News