Headaches Ahead For Fuel Delivery and Distribution Because of New EPA Waiver

LAKE ZURICH, Illinois (October 14, 2010) - U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has granted a waiver of the 10 percent ethanol limitation on fuel for cars and light trucks that were built in 2007 or later, allowing up to 15 percent ethanol to be mixed into fuel, known as E15. Recent tests have shown that E15 has no detrimental effects on the mechanical life or performance of vehicles’ emissions control equipment.

This important step for ethanol is just the beginning of a long road to making E15 commonplace.  Much of the infrastructure surrounding fuel delivery and distribution needs to be changed to accommodate this new mixture.  EPA is proposing new label requirements for reporting the ethanol content of gas at the pumps.  E15 pumps have to clearly be identified, and there is a possibility that separate storage tanks will be required at each gas station.

“Besides the significant potential to affect fuel delivery and distribution infrastructure, this means significant changes to the nation’s biofuel demand,” says Kenneth Hundley, sales engineer, Catalytic Products International.

One third of all the gasoline used today is by cars and light trucks built in, or after, 2007.  That number will grow if the waiver is signed for cars from 2001-2006, which is expected in November of this year.

Though this is a waiver and not a mandate, EPA estimates this move could increase demand for ethanol by up to 50 percent by 2014.

About Catalytic Products International
Catalytic Products International is a worldwide leader in the design and manufacture of custom air pollution control systems.  Products include Catalytic Oxidizers, Thermal Oxidizers, Concentrators, Particulate Control, Energy Conservation Systems, and special services to meet a multitude of needs.