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Grassley thinks E15 is on strong ground

The EPA’s decision to allow E15 fuel to be used in 2007 and newer vehicles should be able to withstand legal challenges from auto manufacturers and others.

That’s the opinion of Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley, who says EPA has done a thorough job of testing E15 and should be able to successfully defend its decision in court.

“They (EPA) told us that they could have ruled a year ago in our favor, but maybe wouldn’t have had the science behind them—and if they would have been challenged, then a lawsuit like this would be successful,” says Grassley. “I think now, with this science, that this lawsuit won’t be successful—at least I hope it won’t.”

If the courts were to block E15, Grassley says Congressional action would be necessary to allow E15. 

The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which includes the Big Three U.S. car companies, is one of several organizations that have joined together to challenge the E15 decision.  They contend that E15 violates the Clean Air Act.  They also argue that E15 will adversely affect engines, and that confusion stemming from the partial waiver could result in consumers putting the wrong fuel in their vehicles. 

EPA is expected to announce a decision early next year on E15 use in 2001-2006 model vehicles.