BioFuels Journal

Date Posted: June 16, 2017

Sioux Falls, SD - June 13, 2017 - POET and POET-DSM today joined more than 25 of the nation’s leading advanced biofuel organizations in asking the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee to pass the Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act (S. 517).

This bill lifts outdated restrictions that limit access to environmentally-friendly biofuel blends, and works to incentivize further innovation and investment in clean fuel technologies.

“We ask you to stand with advanced biofuels and with clean energy to enable us to further reduce harmful emissions,” the organizations said in a letter sent to all 21 members of the committee.

The group states that updating a decades-old rule would ensure access to 15 percent biofuel blends (E15) for consumers year-round and provide the regulatory stability required to give “advanced and cellulosic fuels an opportunity to compete at the pump.”

The regulation in question governs Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP), a measure of evaporative emissions in fuel.

Almost 30 years ago, 10 percent biofuel blends (E10) received a waiver due to their lower emission profile.

E15, however, does not currently have a waiver, despite being a cleaner fuel with a lower overall vapor pressure.

Consequently, access to E15 is severely limited in many regions of the U.S., especially during the summer driving season, creating confusion for consumers and discouraging many retailers from offering E15 altogether.

Allowing consumer-driven market growth is key to the success of advanced biofuels, POET-DSM Board Chairman Jeff Pinkerman said.

“For cellulosic biofuels to be successful, our elected leaders must remove barriers that unnecessarily restrict the availability and growth of biofuels in the marketplace,” he said.

“Lifting this outdated regulation will help cultivate demand for cleaner-burning biofuels and provide a catalyst for expanded research and development of promising new clean fuel technologies.”

According to the Biotechnology Innovation Organization, during the summer months alone E15 can reduce greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to taking 2.1 million vehicles off the road.

In addition to the environmental benefits, the Energy and Environmental Studies Institute states that E15 can lower the public health impacts from transportation emissions, including reducing risks associated with cancer and asthma.

“This is about giving Americans the freedom to choose fuels that can actually help clean the toxic air we breathe,” POET CEO Jeff Broin said.

“We know drivers are pleased to find that E15 costs less – 5-15 cents per gallon – but when they learn E15 also substantially lowers emissions, they can be confident they’re filling up with a product that’s easier on their wallet and better for our planet.”

Signatories of the letter:

• Delaware Bio

• White Dog Labs

• BIO

• Advanced Biofuels Business Council

• Aemetis

• BIOCOM

• Bionebraska

• Cellerate

• California Life Sciences Association

• DSM

• Edeniq

• Enerkem

• Enogen

• Illinois Bio

• ICM

• Iowa Bio

• Lallemand Biofuels and Distilled Spirits

• Mascoma

• Novozymes

• Pacific Ethanol, Inc.

• Phytonix

• POET

• POET-DSM Advanced Biofuels

• Quad County Corn Processors

• Renmatix

• South Dakota Biotech

• Sweetwater Energy

• Syngenta

For more information, please contact Matt Merritt at 605-965-2225 or [email protected]

See Related Websites/Articles:

• POET

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