With some states rallying around the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s emergency waiver allowing fuel marketers to sell E15 during the summer this year, it’s never been more important for fuel retailers to stay informed about what is happening with E15 in their state.
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E15 UST Compatibility
Preparing a fueling system for long-term compatibility with higher ethanol blends, such as E15, takes planning and expertise. Source North America guides c-store retailers through compatibility considerations not only as they relate to compliance obligations, but also with regard to UST equipment longevity. Contact Source North America today for assistance preparing fuel systems for future fuels.
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E15 provides an opportunity for fuel marketers to offer fuel at a lower price than E10, thus making it an attractive way to draw customers, especially when fuel prices are high. However, to what extent E15 should be sold long-term remains one of the most important issues facing the fueling industry.
A uniform, national approach to E15 is unlikely. Several states—including Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota and Wisconsin—have asked the EPA to make the year-round sale of E15 a permanent change. Additionally, the Iowa legislature recently passed a bill that establishes an E15 fuel standard and requires gas stations to offer E15 blends from at least one pump by 2026.
Advocacy and information
With individual states approaching the sale of E15 differently, it is imperative that convenience store operators understand where their state stands on the issue. As a service to their members, state and regional fuel marketers’ associations not only represent the interests of petroleum marketers and convenience stores, they help keep them informed about changes to their state’s laws and regulations. Joining a state fuel marketers’ association is one of the best ways to stay updated about future E15 opportunities and requirements.
C-store retailers interested in cultivating an informed opinion about the expanded distribution of E15 should incorporate a range of sources into their research. Here are some respected authorities on the matter and a few resources that reflect the spectrum of opinions about higher ethanol blends:
Respected E15 Authorities
Recent News and Reports
- Iowa Governor Signs E-15 Requirement Bill into Law
- Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences “Environmental Outcomes of the U.S. Renewable Fuel Standard”
- Ethanol and Corn Markets: Impact from the E15 Gasoline Waiver
- Assessment of Biofuels Policy: Effectiveness of Emissions Reductions
Viewpoints
- Engineering Explained: America Was Wrong About Ethanol — Study Shows
- At Bioenergy Crossroads, Should Corn Ethanol Be Left in the Rearview Mirror?
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This post is sponsored by Source North America