The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has denied petitions for rehearing in the case of the Grocery Manufacturers Association, et al. v. EPA, which challenges the EPA's decision to allow commercial sales of 15 percent ethanol (E15). The Grocery Manufacturers challenged the approval contending the E15 will cause harm to motor vehicle engines.
This isn't the first challenge to E15, a gasoline blend featuring 15-percent ethanol and 85-percent traditional gasoline.In August, an U.S. appeals court upheld the approval of E15 in a 2-1 vote. In discussing its decision, the court claimed the food and auto industries, as well as oil refiners, which brought forth the suit, failed to prove they were harmed by E15's approval.
In January 2011, EPA approved E15 for use in cars and trucks made in 2001 or later.
The Grocery Manufacturers and other groups, including the American Petroleum Institute, also continue to challenge the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).
During a recent media conference call, officials with API called the RFS “unworkable” and said they would “like to see complete repeal” of the law. PD
—Compiled from various sources
