Petroleum and refiners organizations file suit to reverse EPA’s second partial waiver for E15
21 March 2011
The National Petrochemical & Refiners Association (NPRA), the International Liquid Terminals Association and the Western States Petroleum Association have filed a lawsuit with the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit to overturn a recent decision by the Environmental Protection Agency authorizing blends up to E15 for newer-model vehicles.
EPA’s 21 Jan decision raised the amount of ethanol permitted in gasoline used by cars and light trucks for model years 2001-2006 from 10 percent (E10) to 15 percent (E15). The lawsuit follows an ongoing legal challenge by the same organizations of EPA’s 13 Oct 2010 decision to allow the use of E15 in vehicles model year 2007 and newer.
In filing both lawsuits with the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, the groups contend that EPA violated the Clean Air Act by issuing partial waivers that allow the use of E15 in some engines but not others.
The organizations have also raised concerns regarding potential engine damage that E15 may cause to passenger vehicles, boats, and outdoor power equipment such as lawnmowers and chain saws.
NPRA and the other organizations will file written arguments in coming weeks.
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