To provide for a comprehensive assessment of the scientific and technical research on the implications of the use of mid-level ethanol blends, and for other purposes.

Bill: 113-hr-875
Sponsor: Rep. Sensenbrenner, F. James, Jr. [R-WI-5]
Introduced: 2013-02-27 in the House
Policy area: Energy
Subjects: Administrative remedies
Air quality
Alternative and renewable resources
Congressional oversight
Consumer affairs
Energy efficiency and conservation
Energy research
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
Environmental assessment, monitoring, research
Motor fuels
Motor vehicles
Research administration and funding
Research and development

Summary:
action_date: 2013-02-27
text: 
Requires the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Research and Development at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to: (1) enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to provide a comprehensive assessment of research on the implications of the use of mid-level ethanol blends (defined as an ethanol-gasoline blend containing greater than 10% and up to and including 20% ethanol by volume that is intended to be used in any conventional gasoline-powered motor vehicle or nonroad vehicle or engine), comparing mid-level ethanol blends to gasoline blends containing 10% and 0% ethanol; and (2) report on the findings of such assessment and on the agreement or disagreement of the Administrator of EPA with each of such findings. 
 
Nullifies waivers granted under the Clean Air Act before this Act's enactment that allow the introduction into commerce of mid-level ethanol blends for use in motor vehicles and prohibits the Administrator from granting any new waivers until after such report is submitted. Requires such assessment to include: (1) an evaluation of the environmental, safety, durability, and performance effects of the introduction of mid-level blends on onroad, nonroad, and marine engines, onroad and nonroad vehicles, and related equipment; and (2) an identification of areas of research, development, and testing necessary to ensure that existing motor fuel infrastructure is not adversely impacted by mid-level ethanol blends and to reduce the risk of misfueling by users at various points in the distribution and supply chain.

action_date: 2014-12-12
text: 
(Sec. 2) Requires the Assistant Administrator of the Office of Research and Development at the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to:
 
 
enter into an agreement with the National Academy of Sciences to make a comprehensive assessment of research on the implications of using mid-level ethanol blends, comparing mid-level ethanol blends to gasoline blends containing 10% and 0% ethanol; and
 
report on assessment findings and whether the EPA Administrator agrees or disagrees with each of them. 
 
 
Defines a mid-level ethanol blend as an ethanol-gasoline blend containing greater than 10% and up to and including 20% ethanol by volume that is intended to be used in any conventional gasoline-powered onroad, nonroad, or marine engine, or onroad or nonroad vehicle.
 
Nullifies waivers granted under the Clean Air Act before the enactment of this Act that allow the introduction into commerce of mid-level ethanol blends for use in motor vehicles, and prohibits the Administrator from granting any new waivers until after the report is submitted.
 
Requires the assessment to include: (1) an evaluation of the environmental, safety, durability, and performance effects of the introduction of mid-level blends on onroad, nonroad, and marine engines, onroad and nonroad vehicles, and related equipment; and (2) an identification of areas of research, development, and testing necessary to ensure that existing motor fuel infrastructure is not adversely impacted by mid-level ethanol blends and to reduce the risk of misfueling by users at various points in the distribution and supply chain.
 
Requires the evaluation to review all available scientific evidence and identify gaps in understanding and research needs related to tailpipe emissions, evaporative emissions, engine and fuel system durability, onboard diagnostics, emissions inventory and other modeling effects, materials compatibility, operability and drivability, fuel efficiency, fuel economy, consumer education and satisfaction, cost-effectiveness for the consumer, catalyst durability, and durability of storage tanks, piping, and dispensers for retail.
 
(Sec. 3) Directs the Administrator to use certain funds made available to the EPA for science and technology, including research and development activities, to carry out this Act.


Legislative actions:
action_date: 2014-12-12
text: Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 499.
action_date: 2014-12-12
text: Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged.
action_date: 2014-12-12
text: Committee on Energy and Commerce discharged.
action_date: 2014-12-12
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 113-667, Part I.
action_date: 2014-12-12
text: Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. H. Rept. 113-667, Part I.
action_date: 2013-04-11
text: Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by the Yeas and Nays: 18 - 17.
action_date: 2013-04-11
text: Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
action_date: 2013-03-07
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Environment.
action_date: 2013-03-01
text: Referred to the Subcommittee on Energy and Power.
action_date: 2013-02-27
text: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2013-02-27
text: Referred to the Committee on Science, Space, and Technology, and in addition to the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
action_date: 2013-02-27
text: Introduced in House
action_date: 2013-02-27
text: Introduced in House