These preliminary findings, combined with the preliminary data from previous studies, represents a growing body of scientific evidence in support of moving beyond the base blend of 10% ethanol in gasoline.

We also appreciate the interagency recommendation to ensure that the infrastructure is in place to deliver mid-range ethanol blends, and we encourage the federal government to more aggressively support the installation and incentivization of blender pumps that can dispense a variety of ethanol blend levels.

ACE believes it is in the best interest of all parties – including the government, automakers and petroleum interests – to work collaboratively toward a solution that makes mid-range ethanol blends available to consumers. We recognize the need to strike a balance between the desire of the ethanol industry to have the federal government approve an increase in the base blend of ethanol in gasoline and the concerns of the automakers that we patiently conduct more comprehensive research. Striking this balance requires that ethanol, auto, and other stakeholders collaborate as we move forward. ACE members welcome the opportunity to partner with the auto industry and the federal government to rapidly conduct the additional testing needed to ensure the approval of mid-range ethanol blends in gasoline.

In today’s marketplace, refiners can make an E10 blend for a savings of 12¢/gal. compared to unleaded. Increasing the ethanol content per gallon will benefit consumers by increasing the savings; for example, E15 would save consumers 18¢/gal. and savings at a 20% blend would be nearly 25¢/gal. These additional savings at the pump would be beneficial to our struggling national economy.”

For more information, visit Ethanol.org or the higher ethanol blends section.