EPA
Denies RFG Waiver Requests (6-2-05)
The U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency (EPA) today denied Clean Air Act waiver requests
from California, New York and Connecticut, allowing the use of ethanol
to continue to aid those states in reducing air pollution. The National
Corn Growers Association (NCGA) applauds EPA’s action to uphold
the Clean Air Act requirements, which are designed to reduce smog-forming
emissions in the nation’s most severe ozone non-attainment
areas.
The states were seeking
exemptions from the oxygenate requirement of the federal Reformulated
Gasoline (RFG) program. Under Clean Air Act requirements, reformulated
gasoline must contain at least 2 percent oxygen by weight. The oxygenate
contained in RFG allows the gasoline to burn cleaner. Ethanol made
from corn and other renewable crops has been determined to be the
safest and most effective oxygenate.
According to EPA, there
was an extensive review of the information submitted by each state
in support of its petition and the decision was made after EPA reviewed
new information submitted by California and after EPA scientists
and engineers conducted additional analysis to address the 9th Circuit
Court's decision to vacate the agency's original denial.
NCGA President Leon Corzine said corn growers agree with the EPA
decision and commend the agency for its consistency in working toward
improved air quality in America’s cities.
“We thank the EPA for again recognizing that the use of ethanol
significantly reduces harmful tailpipe emissions from automobiles,”
said Corzine. “With this decision, the EPA continues to acknowledge
the proven benefits ethanol has on air quality. It is clear that
the EPA is committed to addressing concerns about air quality.”
EPA Assistant
Administrator of Air Jeff Holmstead stated, "Congress has required
the use of oxygenates as part of the clean fuels program and has
made it clear that this requirement can only be waived if a state
demonstrates that it prevents or interferes with the state's ability
to meet national air quality standards. California, New York and
Connecticut did not make this demonstration.”
Corzine said many states
and communities across the nation have recognized that ethanol is
more than a simple RFG additive. States like Minnesota, which just
passed legislation to move to a 20 percent ethanol blend, see ethanol
as a way to extend gasoline supplies, enhance the environment quality
and bolster the regional economy.
Ethanol-blended fuels
reduced greenhouse gas emissions by more than 7 million tons in
2004 (which is over 280,000 semi-truck loads), equal to removing
the annual greenhouse gas emissions of 1.04 million cars, according
to Argonne National Laboratory. Corn-based ethanol not only provides
benefits to the environment by reducing pollution, it also plays
a major role in contributing to the nation’s long-term energy
security.
Additionally,
ethanol is less expensive than gasoline, translating to lower pump
prices for drivers in many parts of the country. In fact, according
to a recent study by the Consumer Federation of America, “If,
instead of just blending 5.7 percent ethanol, California refiners
chose to blend 10 percent ethanol as they do in New York, Chicago
and Connecticut, California motorists could save as much as 8 cents
a gallon.” Currently California is a 1 billion gallon ethanol
market noted Corzine. “Californians can breathe a little easier
knowing that ethanol – a safe alternative to MTBE –
will fulfill the oxygenate requirement and make for cleaner air
and cleaner water,” he said.