E15 Pretty Good Stuff

Growth Energy reaffirmed its steadfast support of E15, pointing to facts and extensive testing instead of relying on misinformation and inaccurate data. While critics are entitled to their own opinions, they are not entitled to distort the facts on the performance and reliability of E15. The truth is that E15 is better for the environment, reduces our dependence on foreign oil, provides consumers savings at the pump and has definitively proven its reliability under some of the most demanding conditions. “The continued campaign against E15 has been one that is filled with misinformation and misleading data,” stated Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy. “The reality is they are completely dismissing the fact that E15 is the most tested fuel to date, with extensive testing done by the Department of Energy and the Environmental Protection Agency, with results showing no significant difference between gasoline without any ethanol and an E15 blend.”

In examining the recent study of today’s Coordinating Research Council there is a fundamental flaw in their conclusion as they failed to use a baseline of E10 in their engine testing. E10 makes up virtually our entire nation’s gasoline supply. This fact alone invalidates their study, rendering all of the data flawed.  Buis continued, “The EPA tests were much more thorough, testing more engines for longer periods, and for 120,000 miles and the results were consistently clear – E15 did not produce any negative effects. If that is not enough, consider the fact that NASCAR has run close to two million miles on E15 in some of the toughest engine conditions imaginable with no problems whatsoever. As a matter of fact, their extensive use of E15 has shown the benefits of increased horsepower and performance. “Most concerning of all, is a resistance by groups to end our addiction to foreign oil by refusing the American people the voluntary choice of E15 in a free market. While the large oil companies continue to espouse their support of a free market, they have put roadblocks up at every opportunity to prevent the free choice they claim to champion so dearly,” Buis concluded.

America’s continued addiction to foreign oil and the whims of OPEC affects our energy security and prices at the pump, while failing to acknowledge the reality that we must adopt a comprehensive energy strategy; by accepting the status quo, Americans will not only be denied a choice, but it would display a dangerous message to the world that the United States is not serious about true energy security.