House to vote on stand-alone ethanol industry bill
Updated
Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 10
House to vote on stand-alone ethanol industry bill
10 articles · Updated · The Wall Street Journal · May 10
The measure would allow year-round sales of E15 fuel and curb Renewable Fuel Standard waivers for small refiners after House Republicans passed a five-year $390bn farm bill.
Supporters say it would aid corn and soybean farmers hurt by tariff retaliation, but critics warn higher EPA biofuel quotas already impose an estimated $20bn a year in compliance costs.
Opponents also say summer E15 can worsen smog and require costly fuel-system upgrades, while tighter waiver limits could shift more blending burdens onto smaller refineries in the Midwest and Rust Belt.
Promoted as a greener fuel, what is the true environmental trade-off between E15's emission benefits and its summer smog concerns?
As new rules squeeze small refiners, could the push for ethanol ironically lead to higher fuel prices and more imports?
Does year-round E15 truly save drivers money, or do hidden costs from lower mileage and engine wear cancel out savings?