Automakers Hit EPA’s Proposal for 15% Ethanol Content in Gasoline

Ford, Toyota and other automakers have criticized an Environmental Protection Agency proposal to allow gasoline with 15% ethanol content in all cars and trucks, Bloomberg reported.

In letters to Rep. James Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.), 12 automakers expressed concerns that so-called E15 — gasoline with 15% ethanol content — could cause damage to vehicles designed to run on fuel with less ethanol, Bloomberg said.

Current maximum ethanol content in gasoline is 10% in most areas. Last week, EPA announced an orange and black label for pumps selling E15, Bloomberg said.

Sensenbrenner in turn sent a letter to the EPA, saying its proposal could reduce fuel efficiency, damage engines and void warranties, Bloomberg reported.

EPA said it “will continue to take steps, guided by science and the law, to reduce our reliance on foreign oil and increase our use of home-grown fuels.”