Increasing Ethanol Blend Gets Approval from USDA

by Climate Weekly – March 17, 2009

U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack said yesterday that increasing the ethanol blend-rate from 12 to 13 percent could be achieved without a lot of scientific review. The endorsement from the USDA is a positive sign for those who believe using ethanol can reduce the nation's dependence on foreign oil.

The decision to increase the blend rate to 15 percent is ultimately up to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which will evaluate whether a higher blend will adversely affect vehicles' emission-control systems, including catalytic converters. The boost to 12 to 13 percent is seen by many as good first step, Reuters reported.

Others, like food-industry groups, don't want the increase to happen. They argue that diverting corn from livestock and food manufacturers will drive food prices up worldwide.