Ethanol for America Act

Summary#

This bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to finalize a previously proposed rule called "E15 Fuel Dispenser Labeling and Compatibility with Underground Storage Tanks." The EPA must finalize the rule within 90 days of the bill becoming law. For labeling, the bill requires the EPA to adopt the first co-proposal described in the proposed rule. For underground storage tanks, the bill says: existing tanks are to be treated as compliant with fuel that contains up to 15% ethanol (E15) even if owners or operators do not have installation or compatibility paperwork; steel tanks and fiberglass tanks made after July 2005 and all fiberglass reinforced plastic piping are considered compatible with up to E15; if an owner can show some components (like gaskets or seals) are compatible with E15, they do not have to replace other equipment to reach full-system compatibility. The bill also requires that tanks and components installed or replaced after the rule take effect be compatible with fuel blends up to 100% ethanol to allow future fuel flexibility.

What it means for you#

• Owners or operators of underground storage tanks that store motor fuel for on-road vehicles would be treated as compliant for storing up to E15 even without finding old documentation.
• Steel and certain fiberglass tanks (those made after July 2005) and all fiberglass reinforced plastic piping are treated as compatible with E15.
• If you can show some parts of a system are compatible with E15, you would not be forced to replace other parts to meet full compatibility.
• When you install or replace tank system components after the final rule takes effect, those new parts must be compatible with fuel blends up to 100% ethanol.
• The EPA must finish the rule within 90 days of enactment.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

No publicly available information beyond the text of the bill.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information beyond the text of the bill.