Carmakers Ask Supreme Court to Rule on Ethanol

Auto industry groups have petitioned the U.S. Supreme Court to allow them to challenge the use of gasoline blends containing 15% ethanol.

Last August a U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the groups had no legal standing to challenge the Environmental Protection Agency's approval of so-called E15. Carmakers contend that the fuel's high alcohol level could harm engines.

The petition was made by the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, the Association of Global Automakers, the Outdoor Equipment Institute and the National Marine Manufacturers Assn.

Gasoline containing 10% ethanol is widely sold now. The 15% blend approved by the EPA is intended only for cars and light trucks built after the 2000 model year. The agency has not approved E15 for older vehicles or for any motorcycles, portable generators or boat engines.

AAA estimates that only 5% of vehicles on American roads today have been approved by their manufacturers to use E15, a fuel that is is not yet commercially available. The insurance giant joins other critics in urging further testing before allowing sale of the richer alcohol blend.

Ethanol proponents insist that E15 has been carefully evaluated already. They see the fuel as a step toward cleaner air, greater energy independence and less control over fuel by Big Oil.