April 15, 2013—American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM) has petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the District of Columbia Circuit Court of Appeals’ decision in August 2012 that dismissed challenges to the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) partial approval of E15 gasoline.
The EPA decision authorized a 50 percent increase in the amount of ethanol in gasoline for newer-model year motor vehicles, while maintaining a prohibition on the mid-level ethanol blend use in older vehicles.
The AFPM’s petition challenges the D.C. Circuit’s holdings that the petroleum industry invests in the infrastructure necessary to carry the two types of fuels and face potential liabilities from E15 engine damage.
“The time has come to correct the irresponsible decision of EPA,” said Charles T. Drevna, AFPM president. “Studies have shown that E15 use causes damage to engines that could result in safety, liability and warranty issues. EPA’s decision to promote the ethanol industry at the expense of consumers is unacceptable, I expect that our nation’s highest court will identify and correct this mistake.”
