If you haven't heard about all the efforts to increase the base blend of ethanol into gasoline from 10% to 15%, well, where have you been? It's a burning issue facing the ethanol industry, which directly affects anyone growing corn.

Without raising the blend level, experts agree that the existing E10 and E85 markets are not large enough to comply with the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

In short, they claim it's doubtful we'll hit the federal mandate at the current E10 level. The Renewable Fuel Standard calls for 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels to be used anually by 2022.

HERE ARE A few factoids to support the benefits of raising the blend:

SINCE THE 1970S, the federal government has limited the ethanol content on a gallon of gas to just 10%. However, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has the power to waive that restriction.

A waiver request to raise the blend ceiling to 15% was submitted to EPA, and the comment period ended last month. Now, the final decision on the waiver is expected by Dec. 1. If approved, the E15 allowance would not be a mandate, just the ability to blend 5% more ethanol per gallon.

This magazine is also a big supporter of renewable fuels and we're keeping our fingers crossed that the waiver sails through EPA.

For more details, check out our cover story on “Will EPA Go For E15?” on page 6. Also, don't miss the other stories in subsequent pages that focus on biofuels issues.

ON FACEBOOK AND TWITTER

Please check for Corn & Soybean Digest on the social networking sites www.facebook.com and www.twitter.com.