Changes are planned for heating oil in the Northeast. In the region of the country where the preponderance of heating oil customers are located, several states are reducing the amount of sulfur allowed in the fuel.

• New Jersey announced recently that it will lower sulfur from 2,000-3,000 parts per million (ppm) to a maximum of 500 ppm on July 1,2014, and then down to 15 ppm on July 1, 2016.
• New York has passed legislation reducing the sulfur content from a maximum of 10,000 ppm to 15 ppm in 2012.
• Maine's regulation, signed into law in April, will reduce sulfur to a maximum of 50 ppm by January 1, 2016 and to 15 ppm by January 1, 2018.
• Connecticut has chosen to follow the lead of three other states. It will reduce heating oil sulfur to 50 ppm in July 2011 and down again to 15 ppm in 2014 o... more »

Here's a classic case of putting the cart before the horse, or in this case approving a new fuel before it's adequately tested.

The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is reviewing a proposal to affix new E15 labels on gasoline pumps. The problem is that until scientific studies on E15 are completed, no one knows what the labels should say. The labels are part of an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plan that could increase the amount of ethanol sold in gasoline.

As we've explained previously, at present gasoline may contain up to 10 percent ethanol (E10). But Growth Energy, which represents ethanol producers, has filed a petition asking EPA to approve fuel containing up to 15 percent ethanol (E15).

A Growth Energy spokesperson calls OMB's review of the labeling proposal "definitely... more »

Why is the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in such a hurry to grant a waiver allowing E15 to be sold in the marketplace?

E15 is a fuel blend containing 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline. At present, only blends containing up to 10 percent ethanol are permitted, but ethanol producers are pushing for higher ethanol content. EPA has indicated it will make a decision on E15 this fall, despite the fact that scientific research on the fuel won't be completed until 2011.

Now a new study urges caution, saying that the introduction of this new fuel blend is more complicated than it might appear on the surface. The study, conducted by Sierra Research and commissioned by API, says:

"There are many changes that need to be made to federal, state, and local requirements as well as issues... more »

Most of the gasoline we use includes up to 10 percent of ethanol, a renewable fuel that is playing an increasingly important role in meeting our energy needs. But the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering a plan that could permit blends of up to 15 percent ethanol (E15), despite the fact that a number of detailed scientific reviews of such a plan have not been completed.

This would be a mistake that could threaten vehicle performance and safety, void manufacturers' warranties, confuse consumers - and create a public backlash against renewable fuels.

Higher-level ethanol blends like E15 have not been proven safe or effective according to preliminary testing to date. These studies are scheduled to be completed in 2011. In addition, EPA is in the midst of the scientific review... more »

If you fill up your own gasoline tank, you've probably seen the signs on gasoline pumps that read: "This product may contain up to 10 percent ethanol."

Ethanol, which in the United States is usually derived from corn, adds octane to gasoline and is considered an excellent additive in levels of 10 percent or less. But now the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is mulling a plan that could permit blends of up to 15 percent ethanol, called E15.

Sounds like a simple way to put more home-grown fuel into the nation's gasoline mix, right? Not necessarily.

Ethanol is a highly corrosive material, and concerns have been raised about its effect on vehicle fuel lines, underground gasoline storage tanks and gasoline dispensers. Studies are underway to determine the safety of E15 and similar blends,... more »