SAE Update - February 2023 - 6

COmmEnTAry
Higher ethanol blends support the
transition to a low-carbon future
easily exceed 600 MT over 10
years, as shown in Figure 3. Note
that the use of E20 in only half
the legacy fleet nets CO2
reduction of 40 MT in the first
year alone. Clearly, using E20 in a
larger portion of the fleet would
achieve even greater GHG
reductions. As a comparison,
consider that the recent EPA
GHG rule projects saving only
27MT in 2026, with cumulative
savings not surpassing 600 MT
until 2033. The combination of
the EPA rule, an E20 waiver, and
passage of the NGFA could be
extraordinary, readily mitigating
over a billion tonnes of GHG in
only a decade, not to mention
giving automakers and
consumers lower cost vehicle and
fuel options.
Please consider contacting
your congressional
representative and/or senators
today and urge them to support
the Next Generation Fuels Act. n
100
200
300
400
500
600
700
2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035
Year
FIGURE 3: Cumulative GHG savings (CO2 equivalent) from 2026 rollout of
E20 waiver and Next Generation Fuels Act.2
references
1. Figure 1: Stein, et al., 2012-01-1277
2. Figure 2 & Figure 3: West and Mueller, 2021
ABOUT THE AUTHOr
SAE Fellow (2012) Brian West retired from Oak Ridge National Laboratory
in 2019 after working 31 years as an automotive engineer, conducting
research on vehicles, fuels, engines, and emissions control technologies.
He led portions of the U.S. Department of Energy's Mid-Level Ethanol
Blends Program (MLB), enabling EPA's approval of the waiver allowing
E15 in 2001 and newer vehicles. Following the MLB effort, West and his
team conducted several projects to demonstrate the emissions and
efficiency benefits of high-octane, low-carbon fuels, such as E25 and E30.
As a consultant, he has continued to advocate for high-octane, lowcarbon
fuels and is supportive of the Next Generation Fuels Act.
n Half Legacy Fleet E20
n HOF E20 Vehicles
n HOF E25 Vehicles
Officers and Directors of the Board
The Nominating Committee invites SAE International members to submit names for consideration
for the Board of Directors, Slate of Nominees. Key qualifications of SAE Board
members include: a demonstrated, strong commitment and knowledge of the SAE Vision and
Ends; active membership and participation in the society; and the time and talents to serve in
a leadership role. Nominations may be submitted at any time via email to secretary@sae.org
or fax +1.724.776.5944.
6 February 2023
UPDATE
Cumulative CO2 Savings (MT)

https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/12/30/2021-27854/revised-2023-and-later-model-year-light-duty-vehicle-greenhouse-gas-emissions-standards https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2021/12/30/2021-27854/revised-2023-and-later-model-year-light-duty-vehicle-greenhouse-gas-emissions-standards https://www.sae.org/publications/technical-papers/content/2012-01-1277/ https://www.sae.org/servlets/techSession?EVT_NAME=FFLP4&GROUP_CD=TSESS&SCHED_NUM=330926&tab=sessionDetails&REQUEST_TYPE=SESSION_DETAILS

SAE Update - February 2023

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