Ethanol Blog: Senators Introduce Bill to Expand Use of High-Octane Fuels Including Ethanol
by Todd Neeley (DTN Progressive Farmer) With gasoline prices still at historically high levels, a group of U.S. senators on Tuesday introduced legislation that would expand demand for ethanol by establishing high-octane certification test fuels containing 20% to 30% ethanol and requiring automobile manufacturers to design and warranty their vehicles to use the fuels beginning in 2026.
The Next Generation Fuels Act also includes a low-carbon requirement, specifying that the source of the octane boost must reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by an average of at least 40% compared to a 2021 gasoline baseline. That would be determined by using the U.S. Department of Energy’s GREET model. The legislation would require the development fuels with the research octane number, or RON, of 95 and 98.
The bill was introduced by Iowa Republican Sens. Charles Grassley and Joni Ernst, Amy Klobuchar, D-Minn., and Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill. Similar legislation has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Cheri Bustos, D-Ill.
The House version of the bill was introduced in August 2021 and requires the EPA to create the new RON of 95 and 98 after 2031. In addition, the House bill extends incentives for flexible-fuel vehicles and requires the EPA to make updates to biofuels’ greenhouse gas emissions models. READ MORE
RFA Thanks Senators for Advancing Innovative Next Generation Fuels Act (Renewable Fuels Association)
Growth Energy Applauds Introduction of Grassley, Klobuchar Bill on High-Octane, Low-Carbon Fuels, Urges Senate Passage (Growth Energy)
Senate biofuel stalwarts introduce Next Generation Fuels Act (Agri-Pulse)
New Legislation Could Put E30 on a Pump Near You (AgWeb)
Grassley Leads Bipartisan Introduction Of Next Generation Fuels Act To Improve Vehicle Efficiency, Help Americans Save Money At The Pump (Office of Senator Chuck Grassley (R-IA))
Senate introduces Next Generation Fuels Act (Farm Progress/Ohio Farmer)