U.S. EPA gave the State of Nebraska and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) the green light on Thursday to continue phase two research in E30 blended ethanol.
Initially launched in 2019, the study found E30 is a “safe and reliable” option for all conventional vehicles—a measure previously opposed by the EPA, which claimed any blend above E15 should be reserved only for flex-fuel vehicles.
“Promoting higher ethanol blends should be a centerpiece of our national strategy to lower gas prices,” said Nebraska Gov. Pete Ricketts.
According to Ricketts, Nebraska’s study demonstrates E30 can be used in regular vehicles “without reducing performance or requiring extra maintenance,” countering the EPA’s previous E15 constraints.
Ethanol Comes Knocking
The higher-blend E30 ethanol conversation started on The Hill in 2021 with the Next Generation Fuels Act, which aims to “leverage higher-octane fuels to improve engine efficiency and performance.”
This discussion will continue in Washington in coming weeks as EPA approaches its Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) deadline of Nov. 16, when the agency is required to formally propose biofuel blending targets for 2023.
Jon Doggett, NCGA president, told AgriTalk Host Chip Flory he is optimistic EPA will “come through” on ethanol. He says his team has received indications from the EPA that suggest “very strong” ethanol numbers in the future.
“EPA Administrator Michael Reagan not only talks the talk, he walks the walk on RFS,” says Doggett. “For the first time, we have 15 billion gallons of corn ethanol in the RFS, and I think we’re going to get at least that going into next year.”
Forward motion in the agency has caught Doggett’s attention. He believes RFS strength in ethanol will continue in November, and in years to follow.
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