For Immediate Release
Monday
March 15, 2010
Contact Information:
Steve Higley 202-552-8455
Coalition Urges EPA to Base Mid-Level Ethanol Decision on Sound, Complete Science
“We continue to urge EPA to base any decision to permit the introduction of mid-level ethanol blends – whether a general waiver or the ‘partial’ waiver concept on which EPA invited public comment previously – on a complete and sound scientific record and in accordance with the procedures of the Clean Air Act.”
WASHINGTON, D.C. – NPRA, the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association, along with 40 other associations and organizations, today sent a letter to Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Administrator Lisa Jackson, urging the Agency to base any decision allowing the introduction of mid-level ethanol blends into the nation’s fuel supply on a complete scientific record that includes up-to-date information and public comment on data and testing.
“We write to express our concern that EPA may decide to allow the introduction into commerce of mid-level ethanol blends such as E15 based on new information that was not available for public comment when the docket was open last year,” the coalition stated in its letter. “We respectfully but strongly request that EPA provide for a second period of public comment on any data, tests, or studies that EPA may take into consideration in making its determination if such information was not available for review and comment as of the close of the initial public comment period on July 20, 2009.
“We continue to urge EPA to base any decision to permit the introduction of mid-level ethanol blends – whether a general waiver or the ‘partial’ waiver concept on which EPA invited public comment previously – on a complete and sound scientific record and in accordance with the procedures of the Clean Air Act. … To the extent that there are additions to this scientific record subsequent to July 20, 2009 on which EPA will base its ultimate decision, the public must have an opportunity to review and comment on those additions prior to an EPA decision.”
The letter’s signatories include:
American Conservative Union
American Frozen Food Institute
American Lung Association
American Meat Institute
American Petroleum Institute
American Sportfishing Association
Americans for Tax Reform
Association for Dressings and Sauces
Association of International Automobile Manufacturers
Association of Marina Industries
Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS)
Center for Auto Safety
Center for Coastal Conservation
Consumer Federation of America
Engine Manufacturers Association
Environmental Working Group
FarmEcon LLC
Friends of the Earth
Georgia Poultry Federation, Inc
Grocery Manufacturers Association
International Liquid Terminals Association
International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association
Motorcycle Industry Council
National Association of Margarine Manufacturers
National Association of Truck Stop Operators
National Boating Federation
National Chicken Council
National Council of Chain Restaurants
National Marine Manufacturers Association
National Petrochemical and Refiners Association
National Restaurant Association
National Turkey Federation
Natural Resources Defense Council
Outdoor Power Equipment Institute
Personal Watercraft Industry Association
Public Citizen
Petroleum Marketers Association of America
Sierra Club
Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council
Snack Food Association
Union of Concerned Scientists
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NPRA members include more than 450 companies, including virtually all American refiners and petrochemical manufacturers. Our members supply consumers with a wide variety of products and services used daily in their homes and businesses. These products include gasoline, diesel fuel, home heating oil, jet fuel, lubricants and the chemicals that serve as “building blocks” in making everything from plastics to clothing to medicine to computers.