The commodity groups said in a news release that they warned the EPA not to make changes to the testing standard.
“EPA proposed to update the test fuel years ago,” the groups said.
“A crucial part of this update is the R-factor, a number meant to adjust fuel economy for differences in the energy density of the test fuel. But EPA’s R-factor for E10 is based on deeply flawed science and artificially lowers the fuel economy of cars tested on E10 instead of E0 as commentors, including the Texas Corn Producers, explained. EPA ignored these comments and finalized the rule anyway.”
The groups said the test procedures “arbitrarily and illegally” penalize ethanol — and liquid-fueled vehicles “which ultimately penalizes the corn and sorghum farmers who contribute to U.S. ethanol production.”
EPA’s final overall emissions rule challenged by 13 states, requires automakers to make 69% of new vehicles electric or plug-in hybrid by 2032.
“This move comes with a large price tag for Americans: some $870 billion in vehicle technology costs alone,” the groups said on Thursday.
David Gibson, executive vice president of Texas Corn Producers, said the regulations are “bad for ethanol” and perpetuate the “false narrative” that cars are not suited to operate on E10 or E15, let alone on E20 or E30.
Kody Carson, a sorghum producer from Olton, Texas, and past chairman of the National Sorghum Producers, said in a statement the rule is harmful to the future of biofuels.
“The immediate effect of the new R-factor is to increase the stringency of national fuel economy standards, destroying demand for liquid fuels,” Carson said.
“This R-factor also sets a dangerous precedent going forward. By penalizing car manufacturers for switching to a higher ethanol blend, EPA’s R-factor will dampen their incentive to certify cars designed for higher blends of ethanol, such as E20. EPA’s rule will destroy liquid fuel demand by at least 780 billion gallons by 2055. The unlawful R-factor pours salt in the wound. EPA hoped no one would notice when it reintroduced these flawed procedures. We noticed.”
Read more on DTN:
“13 States Fighting Biden on EV Mandate,” https://www.dtnpf.com/…
Todd Neeley can be reached at todd.neeley@dtn.com
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