API: Congress Needs to Act Swiftly on E15 Uncertainty


   
Miguel E. Andujar
DTN Refined Fuels Market Reporter

   DAVENPORT, FL (DTN) -- Congress needs to move forward urgently with 
legislation to allow nationwide year-round sales of the E15, the American 
Petroleum Institute (API) said Thursday (1/22) amid debate over the final form 
and specifications for the gasoline blend.

   "Prolonging this uncertainty risks harming consumers and fuel markets," API 
Vice President of Downstream Policy Will Hupman said in a statement issued by 
the group whose 600 members include a majority of the 132 operable refineries 
in the United States.

   Under current rules, E15 sales are restricted during the summer driving 
season in much of the country due to federal vapor pressure requirements, which 
can influence gasoline blending and refinery production planning.

   The Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), in a separate statement issued 
Thursday, said lawmakers appear poised to exclude E15 language from the House 
funding bill and instead create a Rural Domestic Energy Council to study the 
potential of future legislative options related to E15 and other renewable 
fuels.

   Both API and RFA said they will continue engaging with lawmakers as 
legislative discussions continue, though the timing of any potential resolution 
remained uncertain.

   During high-demand periods, E15, which contains15% ethanol, offers consumers 
price relief against standard E10 gasoline. Removing summer restrictions for 
the blend will also ensure year-round consistent supply that prevents price 
spikes often caused when retailers switch the sale of fuel sold during peak 
travel seasons.




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