ASTM Begins Work on E15 Blending Standard in Anticipation of US EPA Action
09 August 2010
ASTM is developing a revision to D4806-10, the standard specification for denatured fuel ethanol for blending with gasolines for automotive engines, in anticipation of E15 blends.
The new work item (WK29816) may respond to additional changes if required by US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) actions. This work item may result in a ballot ahead of the EPA actions and an additional ballot following whatever actions the EPA ultimately takes.
takes.EPA is currently evaluating permitting the use of higher percentage ethanol blends above 10% in the nation’s fuel pool.
In July, three major farmer and ethanol groups called on EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson to formally approve the use of E12 (12% ethanol) in the nation’s gasoline supply. The groups—American Coalition for Ethanol (ACE), National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) and the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA)—in a formal letter to the EPA Administrator wrote:
...based on the EPA’s delay in acting upon the full E15 waiver and on our concerns that the Agency will restrict the use of E15 to cars made in 2001 and thereafter, we encourage the EPA to formally approve the use of E12 for all motor vehicles as an immediate interim step pending any ongoing additional testing on E15.
Brazil runs E20 in non FFVs and their data shows no problems. I would like to see all new cars sold after 2012 be FFV, capable of running M85 or E85. I would also like to see an acceleration of cellulose E85 production and local production of M85 from natural gas.
Posted by: SJC | 10 August 2010 at 11:23 AM
Solve this problem by switching ethanol production to butanol production (over time).
Posted by: Nick Lyons | 10 August 2010 at 01:20 PM
It is the time frame that matters. We now produce ethanol and can produce cellulose ethanol. We used to produce LOTS of methanol until natural gas was deregulated. If we wait decades for butanol to be sufficiently invested in we could be in a bind. None of this happens over night, but one or more OPEC nations could do whatever they want tomorrow.
Posted by: SJC | 11 August 2010 at 01:05 PM