House Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson warns the Environmental Protection Agency's efforts in connecting E15 with RIN market reform may "bog down moving forward on both." The EPA regulates the Reid vapor pressure of gasoline sold at retail stations between June 1 and September 15. During that timeframe, gasoline blends with 15 percent ethanol are not allowed to be sold at retail stations. Now, the EPA is proposing to grant a Reid vapor pressure wavier for E15 fuels, allowing year-round sales, while also reforming the RIN market in the same proposal.
Peterson calls the E15 proposal "long overdue," but added he encourages the administration to find a "more efficient pathway process at EPA." Further, Peterson contends the proposal "doesn't lessen the damage caused by the Administration's misuse of the small refinery exemption."
The waivers allow refineries to avoid their blending requirements under the RFS. Before major changes are proposed to the RIN marketplace, Peterson says the EPA should address the overuse of these waivers.