Law & Order

House Approves SEMA-Supported Measure to Suspend EPA E15 Program; Senate Action Next

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a provision to prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from using agency funds to permit an increase in the amount of ethanol content in gasoline to 15% (E15). The provision is part of a larger bill to fund the federal government during fiscal year 2011, which must also be approved by the U.S. Senate. SEMA requested this action and worked hard to secure the final vote. When signed into law by President Obama, this timely legislation will protect automotive enthusiasts and consumers from misfueling and other unnecessary harm.

SEMA applauds the House of Representatives for acknowledging the need for more unbiased and independent testing on the impact of E15 on vehicles and engines. The provision suspends EPA’s premature efforts to permit E15 in the marketplace in fiscal year 2011. SEMA also supports a newly introduced bill (H.R. 748) to repeal the EPA E15 program altogether.

For more information, please contact Dan Sadowski, SEMA congressional affairs manager, at dans@sema.org.