AFPM Welcomes Passage of Ethanol Legislation

WASHINGTON, Feb. 7, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers President Charles T. Drevna welcomed the passage by a House Committee of legislation that would require the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a scientific and technical analysis to determine if introducing increased ethanol into the U.S. fuel supply is safe.

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The bill, sponsored by Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.) was approved today in a 19-7 vote by the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology.

EPA has approved a 50 percent increase in the amount of ethanol allowed to be blended in gasoline for use in cars and light trucks manufactured since the 2001 model year, going from the current 10 percent ethanol (E10) to 15 percent ethanol (E15), even though scientific testing of E15 has not been completed or fully analyzed.

"Our members want to continue manufacturing safe, reliable and proven fuels that meet the highest quality standards to serve the American people," Drevna said. "We don't want American consumers and the engines that power their vehicles and equipment to be used as guinea pigs in a giant science experiment. The safety of ethanol beyond the current 10 percent blend should be clearly established before higher ethanol levels are approved."

AFPM was one of 31 groups representing food and agricultural interests, the auto industry, other manufacturers and environmentalists signing a letter to the chairman and ranking member of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology in support of the Sensenbrenner bill.

About AFPM

AFPM, the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (formerly known as NPRA, the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association) is a trade association representing high-tech American manufacturers of virtually the entire U.S. supply of gasoline, diesel, jet fuel, other fuels and home heating oil, as well as the petrochemicals used as building blocks for thousands of vital products in daily life. AFPM members make modern life possible and keep America moving and growing as they meet the needs of our nation and local communities, strengthen economic and national security, and support 2 million American jobs.

SOURCE American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers