HR4864-119

What This Bill Does

The Ethanol for America Act directs the EPA Administrator to finalize the proposed rule titled E15 Fuel Dispenser Labeling and Compatibility with Underground Storage Tanks within 90 days. For E15 labels, EPA must choose the first co-proposal in the 2021 rulemaking. For underground storage tank compatibility, EPA must deem existing systems compliant with blends up to 15 percent ethanol even when owners or operators cannot locate installation or compatibility records; treat steel and fiberglass tanks manufactured after July 2005 and fiberglass reinforced plastic piping as compatible with up to E15; and avoid forcing owners to replace unrelated equipment if they can show particular components such as gaskets or seals are compatible. Going forward, owners and operators of motor-fuel underground storage tank systems must ensure new or replacement tanks and components, including pipe dopes and sealants, are compatible with fuel blends up to 100 percent ethanol regardless of the blends currently stored.

Who Benefits and How

Ethanol producers benefit because E15 labeling and tank-compatibility rules would reduce barriers to higher-ethanol fuel sales. Corn growers benefit indirectly if easier E15 deployment increases ethanol demand. Fuel retailers with post-2005 steel or fiberglass tanks benefit because many existing systems would be deemed compatible with E15 without missing paperwork. Underground storage tank owners benefit when component compatibility can avoid full system replacement. Consumers seeking E15 fuel benefit if more stations can sell it with clearer EPA labeling.

Who Bears the Burden and How

EPA underground storage tank officials must finalize the rule within 90 days and incorporate Congress's compatibility directives. Fuel retailers installing or replacing tank components must ensure future compatibility with blends up to 100 percent ethanol. Equipment suppliers may need to provide E100-compatible pipe dopes, sealants, tanks, and components for future installations. Petroleum fuel suppliers face more policy support for ethanol-blended fuel competition.

Key Provisions

• Requires EPA to finalize the 2021 E15 labeling and underground storage tank compatibility rule within 90 days.
• Requires EPA to use the first co-proposal for E15 dispenser labeling.
• Deems specified existing underground storage tank systems compatible with fuel blends up to 15 percent ethanol.
• Allows owners to avoid broader replacement when they can demonstrate component compatibility.
• Requires newly installed or replaced motor-fuel tank systems and components to be compatible with blends up to 100 percent ethanol.