The US Environmental Protection Agency unleashed a backlash against ethanol when it waived a limitation on selling gasoline that contains more than 10 per cent ethanol for cars with model years from 2001 through 2006.

The agency had been studying the impact of fuel that contains up to 15 per cent ethanol, known as E15, on older passenger vehicles (including cars, SUVs and light pickup trucks) after already approving its use in newer vehicles.  It announced Friday that testing showed that E15 does not harm emissions control equipment. From Lisa Jackson, EPA administrator:

Whenever sound science and the law support steps to allow more home-grown fuels in America’s vehicles, this administration takes those steps.