House Vote Blocks EPA From Boosting Ethanol Blends

The House recently voted 285-136 to block the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from increasing the amount of ethanol that can be added to gasoline from 10 to 15%. A second measure the House approved, would block the government from paying to retrofit service stations to sell gasoline with higher ethanol content.

The two provisions are part of a budget-cutting bill that is certain to be rejected by the Democrat-controlled Senate. The industry faces a struggle this year to hold on to its main government incentives. The industry’s 45-cent-per-gallon tax credit expires at the end of the year, along with a tariff on imported ethanol.

Republicans voted overwhelmingly, 206-31, to block the higher ethanol limit in gasoline and were joined by 79 Democrats. All five Iowa House members, including the delegation’s two Republicans, voted against the provision. Iowa is the largest producer of the biofuel.

The EPA has approved the use of gasoline with 15% ethanol, or E15, for use in 2001 and newer cars and trucks but the House bill would stop the agency from spending any money to implement the increase during this budget year. Automobile manufacturers and makers of outdoor power equipment oppose the move to E15, arguing that the ethanol could potentially damage engines for which it is not intended. ◆