FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Wednesday, October 13, 2010

CONTACT:
Michael Schommer, Communications Director
651.201.6629, Michael.schommer@state.mn.us

Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner comments on EPA announcement regarding E15

ST. PAUL, Minn. – Minnesota Agriculture Commissioner Gene Hugoson today described the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approval of 15 percent ethanol (E15) as a step in the right direction.  However, Hugoson expressed concern that EPA granted only partial approval of the fuel blend for vehicles from the 2007 model year and newer. 

“Today’s EPA announcement affirms the fact that America’s vehicle fleet can accommodate higher ethanol blends,” Commissioner Hugoson said.  “This is the same finding reached in testing done here in Minnesota, and we are pleased that EPA recognizes the time has come to allow the use of ethanol blends beyond 10 percent.  However, this fragmented approval based on model years is unfortunate on several levels.”

Hugoson cited the following concerns about the fragmented approval process:

• Approving E15 use for only 2007 and newer vehicles limits E15 to less than 20 percent of the cars on the road today.
• Approving E15 only in newer vehicles is likely to cause confusion on the part of retailers and consumers.
• The delayed decision on 2006 and older vehicles may be misinterpreted to mean there is a documented difference in the performance of E15 in vehicles older than model year 2007.

Minnesota law states that gasoline sold in Minnesota must contain the “maximum percent of denatured ethanol by volume authorized in a waver granted by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.”  However, the law further requires that the waiver must “apply to all gasoline-powered motor vehicles irrespective of model year.”  As a result, today’s announcement by EPA will not trigger a mandatory increase to the higher ethanol blends in Minnesota fuel.

-30-