EPA issues E15 fuel waivers

WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 (UPI) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Friday granted waivers for E15 fuel for cars and light trucks for model years 2001-06, the agency said.

EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson issue the decision after a review of the U.S. Energy Department's testing and other available data on effect of E15 -- fuel containing up to 15 percent ethanol -- on emissions from cars and light trucks in the model years, the EPA said in a release.

"Recently completed testing and data analysis show that E15 does not harm emissions control equipment in newer cars and light trucks," Jackson said. "Wherever sound science and the law support steps to allow more home-grown fuels in America's vehicles, this administration takes those steps."

In October, the EPA approved a waiver allowing the use of E15 for model year 2007 and newer cars and light trucks. At that time, the agency denied a request to allow the use of E15 for model year 2000 and older vehicles, and postponed a decision on using E15 in model years 2001-06 cars and light trucks until the Energy Department completed testing for those model years.

A waiver is one action needed from federal, state and industry to commercialize E15 gasoline blends, the EPA said. The agency said it is developing requirements to ensure E15 blends are properly labeled at the gas pump to prevent accidental fueling of vehicles, engines and equipment not approved for the ethanol blend.