GoodFuels

Blend Issue at Confirmation Hearing

The “blend wall” issue for ethanol production was a topic at the Senate confirmation hearing this week for Secretary of Agriculture nominee Tom Vilsack.

Sen. John Thune (R-SD) questioned Vilsack about the “blend wall” issue and the need to increase the level of ethanol approved for regular vehicles above ten percent - up to 15 or even 20 percent - in order to meet the goals of the Renewable Fuels Standard (RFS).

“To meet the law will be a challenge unless we do a better job of accelerating research and development on a variety of second and third generation feedstocks for biofuels,” Vilsack said. “USDA has a very, very important role to play in making sure we provide the research and the focus and direction to meet whatever the requirements are.”

Vilsack also said he has already spoken with Environmental Protection Agency nominee Lisa Jackson about the biofuels issue and looks forward to working with her, but essentially he gave no indication of where he stood on the issue of increasing the blend level.

Here is a link to a YouTube video on this line of questioning at the hearing:
Vilsack Confirmation Hearing