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E15 testing bill advances

On an 18-17 vote, the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology has voted to report a bill which directs the National Academy of Sciences to conduct a scientific assessment on how gasoline with 15 to 20 percent ethanol may impact gasoline engines and related equipment.

Introduced by Wisconsin Republican James Sensenbrenner in February, HR 875 would halt the sale of E15 and give the Academy 18 months to analyze tailpipe and evaporative emissions, impact on OBD (on-board diagnostics) systems, materials compatibility and fuel efficiency.

The bill would also require an independent panel to evaluate the misfueling mitigation plans approved by the EPA and determine the best methods to prevent consumers from mistakenly using E15 in engines not approved for using the fuel.

The bill must still be approved by the Energy and Commerce Committee before going to the full House.

Read the bill here: