[The Vector] Politics Over Reason Yet Again?

This is a follow up to a Vector story that appeared August 24th, 2010, called “Opposing Ethanol”.  In that story, we discussed that an effort in the form of an energy bill was poised to allow an increase of ethanol mix. The mix was 10%, but the bill was seeking to raise this to 15%.

Many from various sectors and industries were very opposed to this.  Why?  Ethanol can be damaging and corrosive to engines, and is known to damage engines as well as exhaust systems; and increasing emissions from engines defeat emission control devices. I will add that in my opinion, corn-based ethanol has many problems (discussed in the August 24th post.)

Despite reasonable science, and despite heaving lobbying against raising the cap of ethanol allowed to be mixed into gasoline, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) passed the bill on October 13th. It seems ironic that an agency that is supposed to protect the environment and our safety would allow this.  The EPA says that from its testing, cars built in 2007 and forward “shouldn’t” be damaged from the new blend called E-15. (Cars owned that were built in 2007 and later accounts for 18% of our nation’s cars, according to David Sedgwick at Translogic).  The EPA will apparently test older cars later to see what they find. 

In the meantime, gas station owners are furious. They are afraid of being sued if a car is damaged, even if EPA labels are put on the pumps.  But in addition to this, the move requires new pumps to be installed – one for the current blend of 10% and one for the new blend of 15%.  The costs can be incredibly high to install pump and underground tanks (from $20,000 in rural areas to as high as $250,000 in certain urban areas).  And all for what?

The EPA warns against using E-15 in a number of vehicles: motorcycles, delivery trucks, lawn motors, chain saws, school buses, and even boats. After the EPA action passing the new blend, there were numerous warning and statements issues.  The National Marine Manufacturers Association complained about the move. The American Automobile Association, the nation’s largest motorist organization, issued a statement warning against possible damage to older cars. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents automakers, did so too. In its statement, the alliance noted that automakers must “harden” the fuel systems of vehicles to run on fuel blends with a high ethanol content.

The New York Times noted that nine Democratic congressmen in ethanol-producing states face tough re-election bids in November and had pushed the EPA to pass the bill.  Yes, once again, politics over reason.  Short-sighted policies back this up.  As reported on Farmpolicy.com, the Renewable Fuel Standard enacted by Congress requires 11.1 billion gallons of renewable fuels such as ethanol to be blended into the nation’s gasoline supply this year. The mandate, which rises annually, will reach 36 billion gallons in 2022. With a 10 percent blend rate, the Energy Department estimates that as early as 2013 the amount of ethanol required to be produced will exceed the amount the U.S. vehicle fleet could consume,” stated Farmpolicy.com

I already addressed why I am not a fan of ethanol in the previous story.  But in addition to these reasons, there is another point to consider.  Section 211(f) of the Clean Air Act says that a detailed scientific review must be made before new fuels, additives or blends can be introduced into commerce.  Many of the parties expressing public dismay over the move are saying the EPA put politics over science and consumer safety, and did not make a full scientific review.  Of course, it is ironic that some of the protestors are oil & gas refiners. Yes, they have scientific basis to worry about the damage ethanol can do. But are they also protecting their turf? 

Gregory M. Scott, executive vice president and general counsel of NPRA (National Petrochemical & Refiners Association) issued a statement and press release after the EPA’s action.  Some of what he said follows:

“The Environmental Protection Agency today abdicated its responsibility to safeguard our nation’s public health and environment and became the Ethanol Promotion Agency. EPA’s unwise and premature decision to allow the sale of gasoline with higher levels of ethanol may be good politics in Corn Belt states on the eve of the midterm elections, but it is bad news for every American who owns a car, truck, motorcycle, boat, snowmobile, lawnmower, chainsaw or anything else powered by gasoline… The American people are the losers today because EPA has violated President Obama’s 2009 commitment to them to put science ahead of politics.” 

“EPA is asking the American people to pump first and ask questions later, and to become guinea pigs in a giant science experiment that involves their vehicles, their gasoline-powered equipment, and their safety. Instead of rushing to judgment to announce this decision today, EPA should have required the completion of thorough and objective scientific testing of increased ethanol in gasoline to protect millions of Americans.”