/PRNewswire/ -- Growth Energy announced today that U.S. jobs will be created, carbon removed from the air, and our national security made stronger with a decision by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency today to raise the amount of ethanol that can be blended into our fuel from 10 percent (E10) to 15 percent (E15) for all vehicles built in the last decade.
The decision today to permit E15 for 2001-to-2006 model year vehicles follows an October decision by EPA to permit blends up to E15 in vehicles 2007 model year and newer. The EPA was responding to a regulatory petition, the Green Jobs Waiver, filed in March 2009 by Growth Energy, America's leading voice for ethanol supporters and producers.
A full move to E15 creates a bigger market for American ethanol that could help create as many as 136,000 new jobs in the United States and eliminate as much as 8 million metric tons of GHG emissions from the air in a year — the equivalent of taking 1.35 million vehicles off the road. Increasing the domestic, renewable fuel supply would also displace some of the 7 billion gallons of oil that is imported every day into the United States from countries such as Venezuela, Saudi Arabia and Nigeria, at a cost of more than $300 billion annually to our economy.
"This is a bold move forward, changing America's energy future for the better," said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy. "Increased use of ethanol will strengthen our energy security, create U.S. jobs, and improve the environment by displacing conventional gasoline with a low-carbon fuel."
Buis added that with engine and emissions systems testing on cars 2001 through 2010 complete – and showing no issues with using E15 as a fuel – EPA's approval of E15 should be extended to older vehicles to make continued progress in reducing America's dependence on foreign oil.
"There are many more steps we can take toward achieving our energy security and environmental goals. We commend the EPA and we urge them to continue testing E15 for all vehicles, so that every American motorist has the opportunity to use a blend of fuel that is proven to be better for our economy, our security and our environment."
The previous E10 standard – which permits up to 10 percent ethanol blended into fuel – was set in the 1970s to help spur the growth of a domestic, renewable fuels industry in answer to America's first major oil crisis, engineered by OPEC. Since then, the United States has remained addicted to foreign oil; two-thirds of the oil used in this country comes from overseas.
In March 2009, Growth Energy filed a petition with EPA to permit the raising of that regulatory cap on the ethanol blend from 10 percent to 15 percent to displace more foreign oil.
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Showing posts with label EPA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label EPA. Show all posts
Friday, January 21, 2011
Friday, April 9, 2010
Georgia Environmental Protection Division Issues Final Permits for Plant Washington
(BUSINESS WIRE)--Power4Georgians LLC today announced the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) has issued final permits for the operation of Plant Washington, an 850 Megawatt coal-fired energy facility in Washington County, Georgia.
“These permits demonstrate that the process works”
The permits issued by EPD today to Power4Georgians, LLC, include Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permit for air quality; National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for water discharge; a groundwater withdrawal permit; a surface water withdrawal permit; and a notice of site suitability for the solid waste handling facility.
The permits are the culmination of more than two years of work by Power4Georgians’ development team not only to meet but to exceed Georgia EPD’s rigorous air and water quality standards. Although the air and water standards in Plant Washington’s draft permits, issued by EPD in August 2009, represented standards that are acceptable under the strictest guidelines of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Power4Georgians continued to work to reduce emissions levels further while also developing an unprecedented water management strategy.
“We made significant and positive changes in our application to make our permits among the very best, if not the best, in the country,” said Dean Alford, spokesman for Power4Georgians. “We responded to suggestions raised with regard to air and water and now have exceptional standards that far exceed the strictest federal regulations for protection of human health and the environment.”
Through careful review of more than two-and-a-half years of testing data, as well as an evaluation of the technology and coal types to be used, Power4Georgians was able to devise a strategy that produced significant reductions of the emissions levels contained in the draft permit. As a result, Plant Washington’s overall emissions profile, based upon the final permit, will be among the lowest that has ever been proposed for a coal-fired power plant in the United States.
For example, preliminary evaluations conducted in the fall of 2007 – before the initial permit application was filed with EPD in January 2008 – placed the maximum annual emission of mercury at approximately 120 pounds; that level was reduced to approximately 105 pounds per year in the draft permit. Depending on the blend of fuel used, Georgia EPD’s final permit will limit Plant Washington’s mercury emissions to between 62.2 and 55.6 pounds annually – roughly half the original mercury emissions levels.
In addition, developers were able to devise an unprecedented water management strategy to conserve and reuse water, reduce water withdrawal from the environment and allow zero discharge of stormwater from the plant site.
To accomplish these water management standards, what had been stormwater runoff retention ponds in the draft permit were converted to stormwater collection and storage ponds. Collected stormwater will be reused at the plant, reducing the use of river water and groundwater. In addition, by using the stormwater as makeup water for the plant, there will be zero discharge of process or contact water to either the Ogeechee or Oconee river basins.
“These permits demonstrate that the process works,” Alford said. “In the months since we received the draft permits, we listened closely to Georgia citizens and the EPD and conducted the engineering work to ensure a much more stringent level of operational and environmental standards. I am pleased to report that we achieved every objective.”
A key component to Power4Georgians’ success in obtaining final permits for Plant Washington from the EPD was its development team. These organizations, each with their own unique expertise, included: Allied Energy Services, BLACKACRE, Cookerly Public Relations, Energy Consulting Group, Fluor Corp., King & Spalding law firm and MACTEC Engineering.
When construction begins, the plant is expected to take approximately four years to build and will create up to 1,600 professional construction and skilled trade jobs. When complete, Plant Washington is expected to create between 120 and 130 new jobs onsite, as well as an additional 200 to 300 new secondary jobs in supporting businesses and industries. The plant will generate enough electricity to meet the annual needs of 500,000 to 700,000 Georgia homes.
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“These permits demonstrate that the process works”
The permits issued by EPD today to Power4Georgians, LLC, include Prevention of Significant Deterioration (PSD) permit for air quality; National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit for water discharge; a groundwater withdrawal permit; a surface water withdrawal permit; and a notice of site suitability for the solid waste handling facility.
The permits are the culmination of more than two years of work by Power4Georgians’ development team not only to meet but to exceed Georgia EPD’s rigorous air and water quality standards. Although the air and water standards in Plant Washington’s draft permits, issued by EPD in August 2009, represented standards that are acceptable under the strictest guidelines of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Power4Georgians continued to work to reduce emissions levels further while also developing an unprecedented water management strategy.
“We made significant and positive changes in our application to make our permits among the very best, if not the best, in the country,” said Dean Alford, spokesman for Power4Georgians. “We responded to suggestions raised with regard to air and water and now have exceptional standards that far exceed the strictest federal regulations for protection of human health and the environment.”
Through careful review of more than two-and-a-half years of testing data, as well as an evaluation of the technology and coal types to be used, Power4Georgians was able to devise a strategy that produced significant reductions of the emissions levels contained in the draft permit. As a result, Plant Washington’s overall emissions profile, based upon the final permit, will be among the lowest that has ever been proposed for a coal-fired power plant in the United States.
For example, preliminary evaluations conducted in the fall of 2007 – before the initial permit application was filed with EPD in January 2008 – placed the maximum annual emission of mercury at approximately 120 pounds; that level was reduced to approximately 105 pounds per year in the draft permit. Depending on the blend of fuel used, Georgia EPD’s final permit will limit Plant Washington’s mercury emissions to between 62.2 and 55.6 pounds annually – roughly half the original mercury emissions levels.
In addition, developers were able to devise an unprecedented water management strategy to conserve and reuse water, reduce water withdrawal from the environment and allow zero discharge of stormwater from the plant site.
To accomplish these water management standards, what had been stormwater runoff retention ponds in the draft permit were converted to stormwater collection and storage ponds. Collected stormwater will be reused at the plant, reducing the use of river water and groundwater. In addition, by using the stormwater as makeup water for the plant, there will be zero discharge of process or contact water to either the Ogeechee or Oconee river basins.
“These permits demonstrate that the process works,” Alford said. “In the months since we received the draft permits, we listened closely to Georgia citizens and the EPD and conducted the engineering work to ensure a much more stringent level of operational and environmental standards. I am pleased to report that we achieved every objective.”
A key component to Power4Georgians’ success in obtaining final permits for Plant Washington from the EPD was its development team. These organizations, each with their own unique expertise, included: Allied Energy Services, BLACKACRE, Cookerly Public Relations, Energy Consulting Group, Fluor Corp., King & Spalding law firm and MACTEC Engineering.
When construction begins, the plant is expected to take approximately four years to build and will create up to 1,600 professional construction and skilled trade jobs. When complete, Plant Washington is expected to create between 120 and 130 new jobs onsite, as well as an additional 200 to 300 new secondary jobs in supporting businesses and industries. The plant will generate enough electricity to meet the annual needs of 500,000 to 700,000 Georgia homes.
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Friday, March 5, 2010
Georgia Power wins ENERGY STAR(R) Partner of the Year for Program Delivery
/PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power has earned the 2010 ENERGY STAR Partner of the Year award for Program Delivery from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Department of Energy (DOE) in recognition for educating and delivering energy efficiency programs to consumers throughout Georgia. Georgia Power will accept the award on March 18, 2010.
This is the fourth consecutive year ENERGY STAR has recognized the company for its energy efficiency achievements. This is the first time Georgia Power has won Partner of the Year. Previously, the company has won the Excellence in ENERGY STAR Promotion Award in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Being named Partner of the Year is a considerable accomplishment, with only a few utilities earning this level of recognition. This year's award, which is a higher honor than the previous three years, recognizes the combined marketplace impact of our ENERGY STAR programs. These include customer education, qualified products, New Home and Home Performance.
"We are proud of our partnership with ENERGY STAR and our efforts to increase awareness of energy efficiency among consumers and the number of people participating in our programs," said Angela Strickland, director of Energy Efficiency and Conservation. "Energy efficiency is a major priority for Georgia Power and we see great value in educating and helping our customers with how ENERGY STAR products and programs can help them save money and protect the environment."
An ENERGY STAR partner since 2004, Georgia Power has taken a lead role introducing energy efficiency and the ENERGY STAR brand to consumers in Georgia and throughout the Southeast. As a result of the company's customer education campaigns and programs, consumer research conducted in November 2009 showed awareness of ENERGY STAR is up 72 percent in Georgia since 2006.
Among the programs that have contributed to increased awareness is the company's promotion of the ENERGY STAR New Home program, which has encouraged builders across the state to build more than 4,300 ENERGY STAR-qualified homes since 2007. This program won the Excellence in Housing Award from the EPA in 2009.
Additionally, Georgia Power has encouraged customers to participate in the "Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR" campaign, which requests consumers to pledge to change at least one standard light bulb in their home to an ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent bulb. Customers who completed a "Change the World" pledge card received a free 14-watt CFL. Georgia Power has achieved top-five status in number of pledges submitted each year since
2006 and was recognized as the National Pledge Leader for the 2008-2009 campaign. In 2009, more than 90,000 CFLs were distributed and since 2006 more than 450,000 CFLs have been given in exchange for a pledge.
Other successful programs include:
-- The Refrigerator Recycling Program, which encourages customers to
recycle old, inefficient refrigerators and freezers, has resulted in
recycling more than 9,000 old refrigerators and freezers since August
2008.
-- The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program, a new program which
encourages existing homeowners to make home energy improvements.
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the EPA and the DOE aimed at helping Americans save money and protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. The 2010 Partner of the Year Awards are given to a variety of organizations to recognize their contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by promoting energy efficient homes in their community. Award winners are selected from more than 17,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.
Georgia Power encourages its customers and employees to practice energy efficiency year-round. Take the "Change the World" pledge online at http://www.georgiapower.com/energystar/home.asp.
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This is the fourth consecutive year ENERGY STAR has recognized the company for its energy efficiency achievements. This is the first time Georgia Power has won Partner of the Year. Previously, the company has won the Excellence in ENERGY STAR Promotion Award in 2007, 2008 and 2009.
Being named Partner of the Year is a considerable accomplishment, with only a few utilities earning this level of recognition. This year's award, which is a higher honor than the previous three years, recognizes the combined marketplace impact of our ENERGY STAR programs. These include customer education, qualified products, New Home and Home Performance.
"We are proud of our partnership with ENERGY STAR and our efforts to increase awareness of energy efficiency among consumers and the number of people participating in our programs," said Angela Strickland, director of Energy Efficiency and Conservation. "Energy efficiency is a major priority for Georgia Power and we see great value in educating and helping our customers with how ENERGY STAR products and programs can help them save money and protect the environment."
An ENERGY STAR partner since 2004, Georgia Power has taken a lead role introducing energy efficiency and the ENERGY STAR brand to consumers in Georgia and throughout the Southeast. As a result of the company's customer education campaigns and programs, consumer research conducted in November 2009 showed awareness of ENERGY STAR is up 72 percent in Georgia since 2006.
Among the programs that have contributed to increased awareness is the company's promotion of the ENERGY STAR New Home program, which has encouraged builders across the state to build more than 4,300 ENERGY STAR-qualified homes since 2007. This program won the Excellence in Housing Award from the EPA in 2009.
Additionally, Georgia Power has encouraged customers to participate in the "Change the World, Start with ENERGY STAR" campaign, which requests consumers to pledge to change at least one standard light bulb in their home to an ENERGY STAR qualified compact fluorescent bulb. Customers who completed a "Change the World" pledge card received a free 14-watt CFL. Georgia Power has achieved top-five status in number of pledges submitted each year since
2006 and was recognized as the National Pledge Leader for the 2008-2009 campaign. In 2009, more than 90,000 CFLs were distributed and since 2006 more than 450,000 CFLs have been given in exchange for a pledge.
Other successful programs include:
-- The Refrigerator Recycling Program, which encourages customers to
recycle old, inefficient refrigerators and freezers, has resulted in
recycling more than 9,000 old refrigerators and freezers since August
2008.
-- The Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program, a new program which
encourages existing homeowners to make home energy improvements.
ENERGY STAR is a joint program of the EPA and the DOE aimed at helping Americans save money and protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. The 2010 Partner of the Year Awards are given to a variety of organizations to recognize their contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by promoting energy efficient homes in their community. Award winners are selected from more than 17,000 organizations that participate in the ENERGY STAR program.
Georgia Power encourages its customers and employees to practice energy efficiency year-round. Take the "Change the World" pledge online at http://www.georgiapower.com/energystar/home.asp.
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Friday, January 8, 2010
Georgia Power to Delay Plant Mitchell Conversion to Biomass
/PRNewswire/ -- With the uncertainty of how future U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations might affect industrial boiler emissions, Georgia Power has decided to delay the conversion of coal-fueled Plant Mitchell in Albany, Ga., to biomass until the EPA rules are better defined in April 2010.
The anticipated industrial boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology rule, or "IB MACT," would regulate emissions of hazardous air pollutants, such as certain acid gases, organics, metals, and possibly other pollutants, from industrial boilers and would likely affect biomass boilers like the one planned for Plant Mitchell.
"Georgia Power is committed to furthering the development of renewable energy in Georgia," said Jeff Burleson, Georgia Power's director of Resource Policy and Planning. "We're disappointed to have to delay this large biomass project and the benefits it can deliver. However, by delaying capital spending on the project we're significantly reducing the cost risk to customers."
Georgia Power had originally planned to begin retrofit construction at Plant Mitchell in April 2011 with the unit becoming operational in June 2012. A new project schedule has yet to be determined.
Once the new EPA rules are better defined, Georgia Power will evaluate the potential impact they might have on the conversion project at Plant Mitchell. The company plans to study other boiler technologies in the event the rules significantly impact the cost of the biomass boiler conversion currently planned for the plant.
Upon conversion, Plant Mitchell will have lower emissions and will be one of the largest wood biomass plants in the United States. It will also have lower fuel and operating costs when compared to continued operation using coal, thereby making the plant more cost-effective for customers.
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The anticipated industrial boiler Maximum Achievable Control Technology rule, or "IB MACT," would regulate emissions of hazardous air pollutants, such as certain acid gases, organics, metals, and possibly other pollutants, from industrial boilers and would likely affect biomass boilers like the one planned for Plant Mitchell.
"Georgia Power is committed to furthering the development of renewable energy in Georgia," said Jeff Burleson, Georgia Power's director of Resource Policy and Planning. "We're disappointed to have to delay this large biomass project and the benefits it can deliver. However, by delaying capital spending on the project we're significantly reducing the cost risk to customers."
Georgia Power had originally planned to begin retrofit construction at Plant Mitchell in April 2011 with the unit becoming operational in June 2012. A new project schedule has yet to be determined.
Once the new EPA rules are better defined, Georgia Power will evaluate the potential impact they might have on the conversion project at Plant Mitchell. The company plans to study other boiler technologies in the event the rules significantly impact the cost of the biomass boiler conversion currently planned for the plant.
Upon conversion, Plant Mitchell will have lower emissions and will be one of the largest wood biomass plants in the United States. It will also have lower fuel and operating costs when compared to continued operation using coal, thereby making the plant more cost-effective for customers.
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Monday, December 28, 2009
10,000 Companies Prepare to Start Low Carbon Diet Plans on Jan. 1
/PRNewswire/ -- President Obama and the EPA are gearing up to put the nation on a low-carbon diet and their strategy would do Weight Watchers proud: Count first, cut later.
The counting begins on Jan. 1, 2010 when some 10,000 companies and other entities, including municipalities and even some universities, must start measuring their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
And while it's uncertain when mandatory cuts will be announced - and whether Congress or the EPA will act first - the law firm of Plunkett Cooney said today that polluters might want to start dieting sooner rather than later because their GHG emissions, down to the plant level, will become part of the public record after March 31, 2011.
"New regulations to reduce carbon emissions are coming but public scrutiny will come first," said Plunkett Cooney Senior Attorney. "Companies need to understand that from the standpoint of government regulation and public opinion, the debate about global warming is over. That means it's time for them to develop sustainability plans and carbon reduction strategies before regulators, environmental advocates, shareholders and other groups force them to act."
According to Mikalonis, entities that annually generate or emit at least 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, which includes gases such as methane, nitrous oxide or several fluorinated gases, must measure and report their emissions to the EPA or face fines of up to $37,500 per day for each violation. The reporting threshold is equivalent to the annual GHG emissions from approximately 4,600 passenger vehicles.
Entities covered under the new rules include fossil fuel-fired power plants, landfills, fuel production facilities, chemical plants, steel and aluminum works, cement factories and large livestock operations. Data collection for motor vehicle and engine manufacturers begins in 2011.
"The reporting rules will drive a lot of transparency and allow company-to-company and plant-to-plant comparisons," Mikalonis pointed out. "They will create public relations issues and potential legal problems for some companies, especially if they have been marketing themselves as 'green' when the emissions report says otherwise. But they also may speed up the adoption of energy-saving technologies, which can flow straight to the bottom line."
In Michigan, carbon dioxide accounts for the vast majority of GHG emissions, which are due in large part to burning fossil fuels for transportation and electricity. Methane is the next largest contributor, mostly from the anaerobic decay of solid waste in landfills. Nitrous oxide, the third largest contributor, comes chiefly from agricultural soil management and mobile source combustion.
In 2002, a study conducted for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality estimated per capita GHG emissions in Michigan were 6.2 million metric tons of carbon equivalents (MMTCE), which is slightly below the national average.
In terms of mandatory GHG cuts, Mikalonis said new rules are a fait accompli now that the EPA has said that rising levels are a danger to present and future populations. Companies must therefore decide how they want to influence the regulatory process.
"The EPA is obligated to enact rules to drive down greenhouse gas emissions if Congress does not act," Mikalonis said. "Congress must decide if it is willing to compromise on issues like carbon cap and trade and energy taxes, or accept the risk that EPA may implement 'command and control' solutions. Businesses may prefer a mix of voluntary and legislative solutions and that approach should inform their overall sustainability strategy."
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The counting begins on Jan. 1, 2010 when some 10,000 companies and other entities, including municipalities and even some universities, must start measuring their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.
And while it's uncertain when mandatory cuts will be announced - and whether Congress or the EPA will act first - the law firm of Plunkett Cooney said today that polluters might want to start dieting sooner rather than later because their GHG emissions, down to the plant level, will become part of the public record after March 31, 2011.
"New regulations to reduce carbon emissions are coming but public scrutiny will come first," said Plunkett Cooney Senior Attorney. "Companies need to understand that from the standpoint of government regulation and public opinion, the debate about global warming is over. That means it's time for them to develop sustainability plans and carbon reduction strategies before regulators, environmental advocates, shareholders and other groups force them to act."
According to Mikalonis, entities that annually generate or emit at least 25,000 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalents, which includes gases such as methane, nitrous oxide or several fluorinated gases, must measure and report their emissions to the EPA or face fines of up to $37,500 per day for each violation. The reporting threshold is equivalent to the annual GHG emissions from approximately 4,600 passenger vehicles.
Entities covered under the new rules include fossil fuel-fired power plants, landfills, fuel production facilities, chemical plants, steel and aluminum works, cement factories and large livestock operations. Data collection for motor vehicle and engine manufacturers begins in 2011.
"The reporting rules will drive a lot of transparency and allow company-to-company and plant-to-plant comparisons," Mikalonis pointed out. "They will create public relations issues and potential legal problems for some companies, especially if they have been marketing themselves as 'green' when the emissions report says otherwise. But they also may speed up the adoption of energy-saving technologies, which can flow straight to the bottom line."
In Michigan, carbon dioxide accounts for the vast majority of GHG emissions, which are due in large part to burning fossil fuels for transportation and electricity. Methane is the next largest contributor, mostly from the anaerobic decay of solid waste in landfills. Nitrous oxide, the third largest contributor, comes chiefly from agricultural soil management and mobile source combustion.
In 2002, a study conducted for the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality estimated per capita GHG emissions in Michigan were 6.2 million metric tons of carbon equivalents (MMTCE), which is slightly below the national average.
In terms of mandatory GHG cuts, Mikalonis said new rules are a fait accompli now that the EPA has said that rising levels are a danger to present and future populations. Companies must therefore decide how they want to influence the regulatory process.
"The EPA is obligated to enact rules to drive down greenhouse gas emissions if Congress does not act," Mikalonis said. "Congress must decide if it is willing to compromise on issues like carbon cap and trade and energy taxes, or accept the risk that EPA may implement 'command and control' solutions. Businesses may prefer a mix of voluntary and legislative solutions and that approach should inform their overall sustainability strategy."
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Saturday, December 5, 2009
Governors Urge EPA to Move Forward on E15 Waiver: Interim Ruling a Step in the Right Direction
/PRNewswire/ -- Governors John Hoeven and Chet Culver, chair and vice-chair of the 36-member Governors' Biofuels Coalition, today (December 4) said the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's announcement will likely allow higher ethanol blends, such as E15, and is a step in the right direction. At the same time, they urged the agency to move forward with the waiver as quickly as possible.
The Governors' Biofuels Coalition first called for research and testing on the efficacy of utilization of intermediate ethanol blends - E13 to E20 - in 2005. Hoeven and Culver acknowledged that the EPA signaled the possibility of allowing the use of E15 in all vehicles manufactured after 2001, reflecting the rapidly emerging capacity of newer vehicles to utilize a wide range of liquid fuels.
The two governors also called "significant" EPA's announcement that it would initiate a fuel pump labeling process to ensure that consumers use the proper gasoline for their vehicles and equipment should the use of ethanol blends greater than 10 percent be ultimately approved. Although the EPA labeling initiative seems to signify that further research data expected by May will corroborate these early findings about E15, they urged that any labeling scheme should make access to E15 convenient and simple. They said it should encourage consumers to use blended fuel as part of their normal gas purchases, and one way to accomplish that is with blender pumps, which allow consumers to choose the blend appropriate to their vehicles at the pump.
Jointly, the governors said: "The EPA's final approval of an E15 blend will help to attract the necessary private investment to support the next generation of biofuels, and will usher in an expanded role for advanced biofuels in the transportation fuels market. That will benefit the rural economy, the environment and the nation."
Ethanol's contribution to the American economy at the E10 blend level is well documented by a 2009 study. "In 2008, ethanol displaced the need for 321 million barrels of oil or roughly 5 percent of U.S. oil imports valued at $32 billion - money that stayed in the U.S. economy and supported 494,000 jobs," said Governor Hoeven. "The move to E15 will not only expand the economic and environmental value of biofuels, it will diminish the impact of future gasoline price spikes on consumers," said Governor Culver.
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The Governors' Biofuels Coalition first called for research and testing on the efficacy of utilization of intermediate ethanol blends - E13 to E20 - in 2005. Hoeven and Culver acknowledged that the EPA signaled the possibility of allowing the use of E15 in all vehicles manufactured after 2001, reflecting the rapidly emerging capacity of newer vehicles to utilize a wide range of liquid fuels.
The two governors also called "significant" EPA's announcement that it would initiate a fuel pump labeling process to ensure that consumers use the proper gasoline for their vehicles and equipment should the use of ethanol blends greater than 10 percent be ultimately approved. Although the EPA labeling initiative seems to signify that further research data expected by May will corroborate these early findings about E15, they urged that any labeling scheme should make access to E15 convenient and simple. They said it should encourage consumers to use blended fuel as part of their normal gas purchases, and one way to accomplish that is with blender pumps, which allow consumers to choose the blend appropriate to their vehicles at the pump.
Jointly, the governors said: "The EPA's final approval of an E15 blend will help to attract the necessary private investment to support the next generation of biofuels, and will usher in an expanded role for advanced biofuels in the transportation fuels market. That will benefit the rural economy, the environment and the nation."
Ethanol's contribution to the American economy at the E10 blend level is well documented by a 2009 study. "In 2008, ethanol displaced the need for 321 million barrels of oil or roughly 5 percent of U.S. oil imports valued at $32 billion - money that stayed in the U.S. economy and supported 494,000 jobs," said Governor Hoeven. "The move to E15 will not only expand the economic and environmental value of biofuels, it will diminish the impact of future gasoline price spikes on consumers," said Governor Culver.
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Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute Deeply Concerned About EPA Ethanol Statement, Neglects to Address Impact on Millions of Small Engine Equipment
(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) today announced that it remains concerned by the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) response to the Growth Energy waiver on 15 percent ethanol as it overlooks the impact on hundreds of millions of outdoor power equipment used by consumers, such as utility vehicles, lawnmowers, chainsaws, snow throwers and other affected equipment, including boats, ATVs, motorcycles and snow mobiles.
“EPA’s letter basically addressed the consideration of E15 for newer automobiles, but ignores the substantial non-automobile product families and the economic and safety issues related to their use,” said Kris Kiser, Executive Vice President at OPEI. “However, we’re pleased that EPA acknowledges more testing is needed.”
Department of Energy testing of mid-level ethanol blends on outdoor power equipment engines demonstrated performance irregularities and failure on tested product. “Should EPA allow higher levels for newer autos, we still face a daunting task of educating millions of consumers and labeling pumps to prevent possible mis-fueling that could potentially harm engine equipment and its users,” added Kiser.
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“EPA’s letter basically addressed the consideration of E15 for newer automobiles, but ignores the substantial non-automobile product families and the economic and safety issues related to their use,” said Kris Kiser, Executive Vice President at OPEI. “However, we’re pleased that EPA acknowledges more testing is needed.”
Department of Energy testing of mid-level ethanol blends on outdoor power equipment engines demonstrated performance irregularities and failure on tested product. “Should EPA allow higher levels for newer autos, we still face a daunting task of educating millions of consumers and labeling pumps to prevent possible mis-fueling that could potentially harm engine equipment and its users,” added Kiser.
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Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Boehner Challenges Administration’s Decision to Ignore OMB Warning on Economic Consequences of Regulating CO2
House Republican Leader John Boehner (R-OH) issued the following statement today after Dow Jones reported that the White House ignored an internal Office of Management and Budget (OMB) memo warning that the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) decision to classify carbon dioxide as a pollutant “is likely to have serious economic consequences:”
“The disclosure of this OMB memo suggests that a political decision was made to put special-interests ahead of middle-class families and small businesses struggling in this recession. This EPA decision was a backdoor attempt to enact a national energy tax that will have a crushing impact on consumers, jobs, and our economy. It is unacceptable that this critical information was withheld and the regulatory process was abused in this fashion. Republicans want to work with the Administration to promote clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment, but our primary responsibility must be to first do no harm to struggling families and small businesses.”
NOTE: Today, Dow Jones reported that an internal OMB memo stated, “U.S. regulation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide ‘is likely to have serious economic consequences’ for businesses small and large across the economy.” The news report also states that “The nine-page document also undermines the EPA’s reasoning for a proposed finding that greenhouse gases are a danger to public health and welfare, a trigger for new rules.”
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“The disclosure of this OMB memo suggests that a political decision was made to put special-interests ahead of middle-class families and small businesses struggling in this recession. This EPA decision was a backdoor attempt to enact a national energy tax that will have a crushing impact on consumers, jobs, and our economy. It is unacceptable that this critical information was withheld and the regulatory process was abused in this fashion. Republicans want to work with the Administration to promote clean air, clean water, and a healthy environment, but our primary responsibility must be to first do no harm to struggling families and small businesses.”
NOTE: Today, Dow Jones reported that an internal OMB memo stated, “U.S. regulation of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide ‘is likely to have serious economic consequences’ for businesses small and large across the economy.” The news report also states that “The nine-page document also undermines the EPA’s reasoning for a proposed finding that greenhouse gases are a danger to public health and welfare, a trigger for new rules.”
-----
www.fayettefrontpage.com
Fayette Front Page
www.georgiafrontpage.com
Georgia Front Page
www.politicalpotluck.com
Political News You Can Use
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