Sensenbrenner seeks investigation of E15 fuel impact

Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) sent a survey to major auto manufacturers to investigate whether the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to allow 15 percent ethanol (E15) could damage vehicle engines and impose additional costs on American drivers.
“The EPA prematurely approved an increase to the ethanol blend from 10 to 15 percent and left many questions unanswered about the effects of this fifty percent increase,” Sensenbrenner said. “There are serious concerns that the increased blend could cause costly engine damage and reduce fuel efficiency. Consumers deserve to know about potentially negative effects of E15 on their vehicle’s engine.
“People in southeast Wisconsin already have to deal with the consequences of the EPA-imposed reformulated gas, which uses E10,” he said. “Since its introduction, I have heard complaints about the effects of the ethanol mandate on gasoline prices in the area. Why would we think that increasing the allowable blend would be any better? Decreasing our dependence on foreign oil is an important goal, but irresponsible handouts to the ethanol industry are not the solution. The EPA should not unduly burden America drivers, particularly when many families and small businesses are struggling to make ends meet.”
Sensenbrenner, the vice chairman of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, has introduced HR 748, legislation to block the EPA from granting its approval of increasing the ethanol blend from 10 percent to 15 percent.
Sensenbrenner sent the letter to 14 auto manufacturers. To view a copy of the letter, click here.
– BizTimes Milwaukee