The Policy Solution
By focusing on fuel and emissions research, UAI uncovered an alarming amount of data showing that aromatics added to gasoline to boost octane is harmful to our health. Why use these toxic aromatics when cleaner options such as ethanol exist? That’s when UAI discovered a number of regulatory roadblocks and faulty studies which prohibit ethanol’s access to the consumer.
This is why UAI focuses much of its time and attention conducting research to push for regulatory change. UAI works with universities and industry experts to conduct emissions testing using real world fuels. In addition we participate in organizations like EPA, USDA, DOE, ASTM, Auto/Ag alliance, and health working groups to bring ethanol to the table during discussions of engine performance. Plus UAI worked to have a fuel blending guide created to help provide consistent scientific parameters for creating test fuels. We believe this behind the scenes work, as well as our agency and legal actions are critical to remove regulatory roadblocks to ensure a cleaner and healthier fuel at the pump.
Right now we are focused on these regulatory barriers that can be changed through EPA Action.
- Approve a mid-level ethanol blend as a certification fuel for new vehicles.
- Modify EPA’s mistaken interpretation of the Substantially Similar (Sub-Sim) Law to allow the use mid-level blends under section 211(f) of the Clean Air Act in both new and legacy vehicles.
- Correct the R-Factor to properly calculate the real world fuel efficiency/carbon per mile benefits of ethanol for vehicle certification.
- Use updated science to assess ethanol’s greenhouse gas and carbon reducing effects.
- Correct the MOVES Model to accurately assess ethanol’s emission reducing abilities.