(February 15, 2011) Washington - In an amendment to the House Continuing Resolution, Representative John Sullivan (R-OK) today has proposed to eliminate funding for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement the move to E15 ethanol blends, thus blocking the use of the fuel in the United States.  

In a response, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA) stated, "America needs to tighten its belt, but it should not come at the expense of our energy security.  Preventing EPA from implementing its approval of E15 for cars, pickups and SUVs made in model year 2001 and newer only means America remains addicted to foreign oil.  EPA and DOE have done extensive testing and found E15 to be a safe and effective fuel for use in the vehicles approved in the waiver. No evidence to date has shown E15 to cause problems in any vehicle, regardless of its vintage.  This amendment seems more about political science than physical science, and would only serve to slow the evolution of America's domestic ethanol industry and strengthen the stranglehold oil has on the nation's economy and energy future.”

In addition to Representative Sullivan’s proposed amendment, Representative Jeff Flake (R-AZ) has offered two amendments to the House Continuing Resolution that would bar funds from helping to install blender pumps – gasoline dispensers designed to offer a range of fuel options including various ethanol blends for use in conventional and flex-fuel vehicles.  Specifically, the Flake amendments would ban U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) employees working on blender pump installations from getting paid and prevent EPA from spending funds that would help install blender pumps.

“Denying Americans a choice at the pump is not an energy strategy,” stated the RFA.  “Neither America nor the world can drill itself out of the energy crisis we are facing.  Consumers must be given a choice at the pump, allowing them to use as much or as little ethanol as they want.  Empowering consumer choice, not forcing them to swallow increasing amounts of imported oil, is the only way to help America become more energy self-reliant."