Saturday, December 11, 2010

My Response to the EPA: E15 sign

The EPA recently granted a waiver request to allow the use of E15 in vehicles model year 2007 and newer. It published a proposed rule that is now open for public comment regarding how E15 will be labeled.

With the help of American Coalition for Ethanol - http://www.ethanol.org/news/?newsid=172

I wrote the following and would like to share it with you all.

Air and Radiation Docket EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0448, EPA, 


Subject: Comments on Proposed Rule on E15 Labeling (EPA-HQ-OAR-2010-0)
As an ethanol enthusiast, I use a 50/50 mixture of E85 fuel and gasoline in my non-flex fuel vehicle - 2005 Honda Civic. My car runs strong and I am substantially reducing green house gas emissions, while reducing my dependence on fossil fuels.

However, it is not good enough that I am just reducing carbon emissions. In effort to promote a sustainable future that reduces climate change, more people must use higher levels of high octane ethanol in their vehicles. As a result, E15 must be a necessary CHOICE at the pump! New studies show that E15 is completely SAFE for all gasoline engine vehicles, not just 2007 and newer vehicles. Stop adding artificial barriers that prevent customers from choosing ethanol!

Customers must have the right to choose ethanol, without fear and irrational linkages to problems that have no relation to the product. This is why the E15 warning sign should NOT be ORANGE!

Labeling policies should be fair; ethanol and other non-petroleum fuels should not be held to higher standards than petroleum-based fuels.

The color of the proposed label, orange, is typically used for warning or alarm, not informational use. EPA should follow the same guidelines as were used for labels on diesel pumps, and require only that the fuel be identified in a particular font size on a contrasting background.

I believe that the label should be in green and white, with white letter font on a green background and should read, "E15 is safe for all gasoline engine vehicles and helps to reduce green house gas emissions."

In the proposed label, the word "CAUTION!" presents an excessive tone of urgency. No such warning is required for any other fuel, and should not be required of E15.

The phrase "This fuel might damage other vehicles" is unwarranted, as EPA does not have the testing data to make such a statement. By stating that E15 “might” cause damage, EPA is essentially validating unsubstantiated claims of ethanol opponents.

Lastly, there should be an educational sign next to all E15 pumps that explain the BENEFITS of using E15, with regard to its high octane level and reducing carbon monoxides, carbon dioxide, and hydrocarbons. The EPA should also list its website and 1800-number on the sign for consumers.

Sincerely,

Kai Nortey

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

E85 Fuel in my 2005 Honda Civic

Cool Ethanol Video: www.drivingethanol.org

I like this easy, fun, educational site about ethanol. Please share it!
http://www.drivingethanol.org/

The Renewable Fuels Standard is a policy that was developed by the federal government to ensure that 36 billion gallons of ethanol is produced by 2022. Now, what is our government doing to make sure that consumers have access to these billions of gallons of ethanol? Many people do not even have access to clean biofuels or ethanol in their city. We must eliminate these artificial barriers that prevent consumers from choosing ethanol at the pump, by demanding more blender pumps at all gas stations.

According to drivingethanol.org, "The Renewable Fuels Standard is a goal set by the government for increased ethanol production. There's just one set back - a regulatory cap that limits the amount of ethanol blended into our gasoline at 10 percent. New research indicates that our cars will run on higher blends. If the EPA increases this cap only 15 percent, it could create up to 136,000 new green - collar jobs, lower emissions, and make America more energy independent."

Source: http://www.drivingethanol.org/

Bio-waste to Ethanol: Animation video

I love this ST1 Bioethanol animation video because it discusses "dispersed bioethanol production." This concept shows the importance of having small bioethanol plants set up near bakeries, breweries, dairy factories, and food factories. The waste from these factories can be used for bioethanol production, through fermentation, instead of being sent to the landfill. This process reduces the transportation of waste from point A (bakery) to point B (ethanol plant).

Check it out: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kqfW0VmONXc&feature=related

How is Ethanol distributed in Brazil?

Check out this excellent virtual tour and video about how sugar cane ethanol is grown and distributed in Brazil. Learn more by clicking on the numbers that explain the process here:

http://sweeteralternative.com/about-sugarcane-ethanol/virtual-mill

Propel Fuels - Fueling Change in California

Filling up my 2005 Honda Civic, LX at Propel Fuels in Oakland. I was also excited to wear my Ivory Coast soccer jersey. It matches perfectly with Propel Fuels. Green, Yellow, and Orange are actually many of my favorite colors. I wanted to bring the spirit of international sports and international Ethanol together! It's about international and sustainable biofuels that reduce our dependence on fossil fuels. Imagine how many millions of children with asthma would breathe better with cleaner fuel.

Whooooh! Let's go E85. It feels good to promote green American jobs in the inner city and in rural areas.
I did not see my 2005 Honda Civic on this information board, for approved FFV, but I decided to trust my mechanic and learn that most gasoline engines built after 1995 can use at most a 50/50 mixture of E85 and gasoline. We can look to Brazil for examples too.


E85 is less expensive than both gasoline and bio-diesel. I also like how this sign makes it clear that Propel Fuels is NOT a Chevron Product, because many people think it is owned by Chevron.