DOE Secretary Chu, former DOE Assistant Secretary Karsner support higher ethanol blends

In New York, US Secretary of Energy Steven Chu told the Reuters Global Energy Summit that the DOE is investigating E12 and E13 ethanol and said that “If it turns out the existing automobile fleet … could accept that, it would be good if we can go up to 12 or 13 percent.” The EPA has until December 1st to act on an industry request to allow blends of up to E15 in cars, and has extended its comment period to July 20th.

Meanwhile, former Assistant Secretary of Energy for Renewable Energy, Andy Karsner, told a group in North Dakota that the higher ethanol blends will help industry and reduce dependence on foreign oil. Governor Hoeven and Senator Dorgan of North Dakota also spoke in support of higher ethanol blends.

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