The Energy Policy Act of 2005

 

The Energy Policy Act of 2005 (Public Law 109-58) established a federal requirement that motor fuel supplies, mainly refineries, supply an increasing amount of renewable fuels.  The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 expanded the mandate further, requiring the use of 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels by 2022.  To comply with this, the EPA finalized rules known as the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) which steps up to the 2022 standard.  This is met mostly with the use of corn ethanol in gasoline.

Additionally, until recently the ethanol concentration in gasoline was limited to 10% (E10) for all applications.  This limitation was due to the Clean Air Act, the warranties of vehicular engines, the design and certification of fuel delivery infrastructure, and state and local codes.  However, due to the RFS mandate, there will be insufficient amounts of ethanol used with a E10 standard.  In 2009, the EPA granted a waiver from the Clean Air Act limitation of 10% with a maximum concentration of 15% and in January 2011, the EPA approved use of E15 gasoline in 2001 and newer passenger vehicles but not with other engines. 

As you are aware, there are many problems with the change in the E10 standard, primarily, most manufacturers do not extend their warranties to cover use with the E15 standard.  Additionally, there will be problems with the ability of the consumer to differentiate between pumps that contain the two standards.

Please be assured, that I will support legislative efforts to maintain the current standard so drivers in Pennsylvania do not inadvertently disclaim their warranties and cause damage to their cars.  It is time that EPA find other ways to comply with their own policies that do not burden the average citizen.

Respectfully,

Tom Marino
Member of Congress