The EPA's decision on a partial waiver for E15 use (blend of 15% corn ethanol and 85% unleaded gasoline) in light-duty motor vehicles was announced last week. But the EPA missed an opportunity to spur growth for alternative fuels by failing to recognize E12 in 2010.

The current limit of corn ethanol blended with gasoline is 10%, as set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency  and is an arbitrary cap. All cars manufactured after 1980 can use E10 gasoline. Because of corn ethanol's several advantages compared to petroleum, a proposal to increase corn ethanol limits at fuel stations nationwide is being considered. However, if approved, E15 will be approved for vehicles manufactured after 2007 only. This new arbitrary cap is not a mandate, but an allowable level of ethanol blended with gasoline.

"The EPA's inefficiency in timely addressing increased blends for vehicles, as well as its potential acceptance of E15 for vehicles only newer than 2007 and not the full E15 waiver, has been counterproductive for the quest to become energy independent," says Dwayne Siekman, Ohio Corn Growers Association executive director. 

E12 can become available on the market sooner than E15 because the EPA already has the authority to approve an E12 blend.

"E12 is the smart, interim step toward increased corn ethanol blends in our country's fuel supply until a full waiver for E15 is approved," says Siekman.

Economical, environmental and energy-security benefits of corn ethanol:

"As Ohio's corn farmers continue to reach record corn production, yield and supply, we will continue to meet all needs for feed, food and fuel with an abundance of safe and renewable corn," says Siekman.