The province's "Ethanol in Gasoline" regulation took effect in 2007. It requires, on average, a minimum 5% renewable content in gasoline. Back in November 2017, Ontario was considering a proposal to raise the minimum average to 10%. Part of that proposal was to require ethanol used to meet the standard, to emit 35% fewer greenhouse gas emissions on a lifecycle basis compared to petroleum gasoline starting in 2020.

In addition, Ontario phased in a "Greener Diesel Regulation" from 2014 to 2017. That requires a minimum renewable content in diesel to have a minimum percent reduction in lifecycle GHG intensity compared to standard petroleum diesel. Starting in 2017, diesel fuel in Ontario was required to have 4% minimum renewable content that has at least a 70% reduction in lifecycle GHG intensity compared to petroleum.

In the United States, the EPA is on track to release a proposal in February to allow year-round E15 sales.

Following the Ontario announcement this week, Growth Energy, the U.S. Grains Council, and the Renewable Fuels Association issued a joint statement.

"As one of the largest markets for ethanol, this is a huge milestone for Canada and the people of Ontario," the groups said. "Ontario recognizes the important environmental, economic, and health benefits that ethanol provides and we look forward to seeing this plan become a reality by 2025."

Read Ontario's environment plan here: https://prod-environmental-registry.s3.amazonaws.com/…

Todd Neeley can be reached at todd.neeley@dtn.com

Follow me on Twitter @toddneeleyDTN

(TN)

© Copyright 2018 DTN/The Progressive Farmer. All rights reserved.