That's not going to build consumer confidence in going green, even if the EPA rules again later and gives a go-ahead to the use of E15 in vehicles made between 2001 and 2006 - which it may do. That's like putting a poison sticker on the pump for a couple of months and then taking it off.

Ah, and what's a gasoline station owner to do?

Going with the E15 blend at the pump could mean putting in separate clearly marked pumps at a cost of about $20,000 per dispenser. Perhaps a large station could have E10 pumps on one island and E15 pumps on another with separate underground storage tanks for each? The head of a gas station lobbying group last week said stations would also have to make sure their underground equipment is compatible with E15 as well. Putting in a new storage tank could cost perhaps $100,000.

Added to the mix, of course, is the question of retailer liability for customer misfuelings. Now that could be a pretty pricey blend.

Given those parameters, the decision on the use of E15 will likely not be made by the ethanol industry, Sen. Grassley, the beef industry, grocery associations or even consumers. It will be made by retail gasoline station owners who will probably be just fine offering the current E10 blend without taking on any new and potentially expensive risks.

This is not a half a loaf, it is a loaf that was half-baked.

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