Exxon attacks EPA ethanol decision

ExxonMobil Corp. isn’t happy with the Environmental Protection Agency over its decision this week to allow increased levels of ethanol in gasoline for newer cars.

Refiners have long opposed policies that mandate or encourage increased blending of ethanol into gasoline. The latest sign of Exxon’s irritation? A blog post on Friday.

“Most engines have not been tested for E15, and it’s possible that vehicle warranties could be voided if vehicles suffer damage from higher ethanol blends. Additionally, most service stations do not have tanks and pumps that are certified for dispensing the higher ethanol blends — and the time required and costs of installing new equipment are significant,” writes Exxon exec Ken Cohen on the company’s “Perspectives” blog.

EPA on Wednesday said a higher blend of ethanol in gasoline is safe to use in cars, light trucks and sport utility vehicles for model year 2007 and later, offering a partial victory for advocates of the corn-based additive.

EPA’s air quality chief, Gina McCarthy, said the decision to allow use of E-15 — which consists of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline — for newer vehicles came after “extensive testing” at the Department of Energy. Currently, there is a 10 percent limit on ethanol content in a gallon of gasoline.