Donnelly, Grassley, Fischer: Expand the RVP Ethanol Waiver for Fuel Blends Above 10 Percent

Press Release

U.S. Senators Joe Donnelly (D-IN), Chuck Grassley (R-IA), and Deb Fischer (R-NE), today introduced bipartisan legislation, S. 1239, that would expand the market for biofuels by increasing the Reid vapor pressure (RVP) waiver for ethanol blends above 10 percent. This legislation would allow for more retailers to sell E15 gasoline/ethanol blended fuel year-round.

Donnelly said, "Biofuels like ethanol are renewable domestic energy sources, create more economic opportunities, and give consumers more options at the gas pump. This legislation would expand the RVP waiver for ethanol blends, increasing the market for ethanol producers in Indiana and around the country and making more clean fuels available to consumers year-round. We should be pursuing an all-in approach toward American energy production that includes ethanol and other biofuels because it helps our economy and increases our national security by reducing our dependence on foreign oil. I am proud my colleagues Senator Grassley and Senator Fischer are joining me in this bipartisan effort to reduce the burden of regulations on ethanol producers and consumers."

Grassley said, "Consumers appreciate having choices, whether it's at the grocery store or the fuel pump. Those of us who live in biofuels-producing states understand the appeal of cleaner, domestic, renewable fuels. The EPA should be consistent in the way it treats different fuel blends as a matter of fairness and to give consumers more options for fueling their vehicles. The EPA has never acted on its authority to grant a Reid vapor pressure waiver for E15. This bill proposes a legislative fix to fill the void."

Tom Buis, Growth Energy CEO, said, "We applaud this strong bipartisan effort to remove the largest regulatory hurdle standing between consumers and access to a cleaner, less expensive and higher performing fuel. Senators Donnelly, Grassley and Fischer recognize that higher ethanol blends such as E15 benefit our environment, our economy and our rural communities, and are working together to bring those benefits to every American and move our nation forward. We commend them for taking the lead on this important issue in Congress."

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulates RVP for gasoline and gasoline/ethanol blends from June 1st until September 15th of each year, when many travelers are on the road. Currently, the EPA restricts the retail sale of fuels with ethanol above E10 steps during these months unless the fuels go through extra, costly refining. This creates a strong disincentive for retailers to sell E15, since they can typically only sell E15 from mid-September until May. The Donnelly-Grassley-Fischer bill would get rid of this disincentive.

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