WASHINGTON, D.C. – Growth Energy praised the introduction of legislation by U.S. Congresswoman Cheri Bustos (D-Ill.) that would unleash higher-octane, lower-carbon fuels that offer motorists better mileage and fewer emissions. The Next Generation Fuels Act of 2020 requires the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to create a new 98 Research Octane Number (RON) standard, limit reliance on toxic aromatic hydrocarbons, and update fuel and infrastructure regulations to expand the availability of mid-level ethanol blends.
“There has never been a more urgent need to adopt higher octane, low-carbon ethanol blends in America’s fuel supply, as they are key to achieving clean, healthy air,” said Growth Energy CEO Emily Skor. “We applaud Congresswoman Bustos for charting a path forward that will unleash clean, affordable ethanol to drive decarbonization in our nation’s transportation fleet and save consumers money at the fuel pump.”
Progress on the next generation of innovative engine and fuel technologies has long been a core mission for Growth Energy, which was the first to call on EPA and the state of California to use E30 for vehicle certification and consumer use back in 2012. Both Skor and Growth Energy Senior Vice President of Regulatory Affairs Chris Bliley have testified on the topic to leaders in Congress and the EPA.
“With a 113 octane, ethanol is the single most affordable and abundant fuel available to power the higher-compression ratio engines of the future. The sooner we can get those engines on the road and those fuels at the pump, the sooner motorists can enjoy a cleaner, less-costly commute,” added Skor.
