Special Report

RFA cautiously optimistic E15 rulemaking process will move quickly

EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler says U.S. drivers will have access to E15 next summer, but the head of the Renewable Fuels Association says they are cautiously optimistic because the rulemaking process for the waiver has been delayed until February.

Geoff Cooper is president and CEO of RFA.

“From experience we know that 120 days, which is basically what they’d have between February and June 1st, would be unprecedented for them to get a rule of this magnitude proposed, take public comments on it, and then write up a final rule,” he says. “They’re telling us it can be done, and we’re hopeful they’re right.”

He says the RFA would still like to see the EPA expedite the rulemaking process for the E15 wavier, so drivers can have access to the fuel in the 2019 summer driving season.

“Removing that barrier I think is really going to open the floodgates on E15 and we think we could see very rapid adoption nationwide,” he says.

Cooper spoke to Brownfield Thursday at the NAFB Convention in Kansas City.

Audio: Geoff Cooper, The Renewable Fuels Association