Unlikely groups combine to push more ethanol testing

DesMoinesRegister.com
by DAN PILLER & PHILIP BRASHER • business@dmreg.com • December 28, 2008

It would seem to take a lot to bring the petrochemical refiners and the Sierra Club together, but ethanol has done it.

The National Petrochemical and Refiners Association, which represents the oil-based plastics and gasoline refineries, and the Sierra Club were among 14 organizations that asked the Environmental Protection Agency to do more testing and study before approving ethanol blends of higher than 10 percent in unleaded gasoline.

Other groups in the effort to slow ethanol's drive for higher blend concentrations included the Natural Resources Defense Council, American Lung Association, Engine Manufacturers Association and Motorcycle Industry Council. The bikers, along with boaters, have become vocal in recent months about their fears that ethanol blends might damage motorcycle engines.

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