http://www.dailytech.com/article.aspx?newsid=23957The "4 gallon minimum" is a non-issue, unless you choose to fill from a pump that dispenses multiple blends of EtOH. Then, the EPA requires the service station to dispense a minimum of 4 gals of E10 to dilute any E15 in the hose. TO PROTECT THE VEHICLE OWNER. Otherwise, the EPA would have to find a way to outlaw multi-blend pumps, which would ignite a firestorm in the gas station business community. If your local station only has blending pumps, then take your less than 4 gallon business elsewhere. The use of blending pumps is a service station decision.
The EPA is NOT "pushing" E15. Indeed, the opposite has been the case, but there is insufficient science to prevent the petroleum industry from selling it. Science, not economics, is all the EPA can use. Thus, the granting of a "Limited Waiver" that allows (in no way requires) the sale of E15 for use in 2001 and later passenger cars and multi-fuel vehicles ONLY.
The EPA is not requiring the use of E15 in any vehicles, nor has it expressed an interest in such a policy. It is state and local governments that might be doing so. The petroleum and EtOH business interests are pushing E15 and want to be able to use blending pumps to save money. The EPA's involvement in the pumps is to mandate "mitigation" to protect the public from unwanted or improper delivery of E15. The EPA was not totally able to thwart bug business' desire to foist E15 upon us, but they are doing their best to protect us from the limited use E15 being dispensed to us against our will and best interest.
Yes, a Bill was entered in Congress to require the EPA to do exactly what it was already required to do and has been doing in evaluating the technical issues pertaining to E15. Pure political theater.
Fortunately (I suspect) this is not going to be as simple a mandate as unleaded gasoline or even E10. Far too much risk of damage to engines, and the additional safety aspect of fuel lines being much more profoundly effected by E15 than E10. Right now it's a sort of "Clash of Titans", with the EtOH producers tossing millions to promote their product, and engine manufacturers pushing back. But, since there is not the equivalent of a "lead substitute" to get the desired octane or protect valves, E15 has much greater technological hurdles to cross.
One clear signal of the hurdles is a bill known as "Domestic Fuels Act of 2012 (HR 4345)" entered by Rep. John Shimkus (R-Ill) to protect retailers, engine manufacturers, and fuel producers from E15 related lawsuits. If there is enough risk of litigation to prompt such a bill............... The bill is dormant in committee, BTW.
