The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued a proposed rule Tuesday afternoon that would allow retailers to sell E15 year-round. The proposed rule would also reform the Renewable Identification Number (RIN) markets. The National Corn Growers Association and the U.S. ethanol industry agree, this announcement is a step forward, but getting the rule in place by summer could be a tall order. American Coalition for Ethanol Senior Vice President Ron Lamberty isn’t sure the fuel will be available by June 1. “A marketer that is selling E15 in an area like most of the Midwest wouldn’t be able to sell it unless they found a new blend stock,” explains Lamberty. “With the timing of this, we could end up with a weird two or three week period where marketers decide what they want to do with that.” The EPA is welcoming public comments on the proposal and will host a public hearing March 29.
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