OTTAWA (Reuters) – The United States will likely not meet its goal of blending 100 million gallons of cellulosic ethanol into the gasoline supply in 2010 unless it raises the proportion of ethanol allowed in fuel, says a U.S. industry group.
Most U.S. ethanol is made from corn, while cellulosic ethanol is made from nonfood sources such as agricultural waste and switchgrass.
Wesley Clark, co-chair of the Growth Energy group, said the 100 million gallon level could be reached in time if the cap on the permitted level of ethanol in regular gasoline is increased to 15 percent from 10.
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“There is cellulosic capacity standing by … but the later that policy decision is (taken), the less likely we are to meet that 2010 mandate of 100 million gallons,” he said.
The auto industry says gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol could damage engines and fuel lines in older cars and has urged regulators not to approve the higher blend.
“There are a lot of people who see it our way – namely, that this is good for the environment, it’s good for jobs, it’s good for national security. It doesn’t hurt automobiles,” Clark said.
