THE US EPA's VERSION OF A HALLOWEEN DECORATION

Exactly two weeks ago, we let you know that the EPA had approved E15 for cars model years 2007 and newer. We also told you that we weren’t sure the announcement really accomplished anything.

Now, we’re even more sure that the US EPA discriminates against corn-based ethanol based on the proposed labeling requirement they intend for every fuel dispenser. Take a look for yourself. Tom Waterman of The Ethanol Monitor is right when he says that all that’s missing is the skull and cross bones.

Very obviously, the EPA intends to scare people away from using corn-based ethanol before they are even able to give it a second thought. Why not a label that says “this fuel is only EPA approved for cars model years 2007 and newer?” Why not a label that says “Ensure your car is newer than 2007 before using this fuel?”

Because our suggestions are about facts and not about fear. The EPA hasn’t approved E15 for 2007 cars and newer not because there’s a lack of information or because there’s anything scientific about cars older than 2007 running less efficiently on E15. They didn’t approve it because there’s an agenda in the US EPA and that agenda very much dislikes corn-based ethanol.

Waterman said, “It seems the agency understands its confusing decision on E15, which probably will not lead to even one gallon of additional ethanol entering the motor fuel pool in the US, and wants to make certain it won’t.”

The scary label is just one more tactic in their war against energy security, against rural America, and against a greener world.

NOTE: The EPA is holding a public hearing on November 16, 2010 at the Millennium Knickerbocker Hotel in Chicago, IL. The hearing starts at 10 am CST and continues until everyone has had a chance to speak. The public hearing will address the EPA’s proposed E15 warning label. Please contact the IL Corn office at ilcorn@ilcorn.org if you want additional information on how to testify at this hearing.

Dave Loos

ICGA/ICMB Ethanol Guru