Bill Overview
Title: EASE Act of 2022
Description: This bill revises the Reid Vapor Pressure (RVP) requirements to provide for the year-round sale of ethanol-gasoline fuel blends that contain more than 10% denatured anhydrous ethanol. RVP is a metric of gasoline volatility (i.e., how quickly fuel evaporates into the atmosphere). Current law prohibits the sale of gasoline that exceed certain RVP limits during the high ozone season (i.e., the summer months). However, current law provides waivers from this requirement, including a waiver that gives certain ethanol-gasoline fuel blends containing 10% denatured anhydrous ethanol a higher RVP limit under certain conditions. This bill expands the waiver to include ethanol-gasoline fuel blends containing more than 10% of such ethanol, thus allowing year-round sales of such fuel blends.
Sponsors: Sen. Paul, Rand [R-KY]
Target Audience
Population: people impacted by changes to fuel composition regulations
Estimated Size: 100000000
- The legislation affects the fuel industry, particularly those involved in the production, distribution, and sale of ethanol-gasoline blends.
- Farmers who grow corn, a primary source of ethanol in the U.S., may see changes in demand for their products.
- Consumers who buy gasoline, especially those in regions where ethanol-blend fuels are popular, might be affected by changes in fuel availability or price.
- Environmental impacts could influence the general population as more ethanol in fuel blends might have ecological benefits or drawbacks.
Reasoning
- This legislation will predominantly influence the ethanol fuel industry, farmers, consumers, and the environment.
- Corn farmers in the Midwest, where corn is extensively used for ethanol production, could see increased crop demand.
- Consumers in the Midwest and rural areas might be more affected due to higher availability of ethanol blends.
- Environmentalists may have varied opinions, some optimistic about reduced emissions, others concerned about potential agricultural impact.
Simulated Interviews
Corn farmer (Des Moines, Iowa)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The increased demand for ethanol can tremendously boost my profits.
- I'm concerned about the environmental impacts of increased corn farming.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Environmental scientist (Chicago, Illinois)
Age: 34 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ethanol is a better alternative to fossil fuels.
- I worry about the environmental cost of increased corn farming.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 4 |
Gas station owner (Los Angeles, California)
Age: 39 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Introducing more ethanol blends can diversify my fuel offerings.
- I'm concerned about the costs and infrastructure changes required.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Policy analyst (Omaha, Nebraska)
Age: 52 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 15.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ethanol offers a cleaner solution to fossil fuels, but the agricultural demand can harm biodiversity.
- My work involves assessing such trade-offs daily.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 8 | 5 |
Oil refinery engineer (Houston, Texas)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The switch to more ethanol blends could threaten my job security.
- There might be opportunities if our facility transitions to ethanol production.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 5 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
Mother of three (Mobile, Alabama)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- If ethanol blends become cheaper, it will help our budget.
- I don't know much about ethanol but hope it's safe and beneficial.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
School teacher (Minneapolis, Minnesota)
Age: 48 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 14/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ethanol seems a good compromise if it lowers emissions.
- Educational programs should focus more on sustainable practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
CEO of a public transportation company (New York, New York)
Age: 60 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 3/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased ethanol consumption might align with our sustainability goals.
- I'm keen to see how this influences fleet costs and efficiency.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 8 |
Environmental activist (Phoenix, Arizona)
Age: 43 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Ethanol isn't a perfect solution, but a step forward.
- Concerns remain about agricultural practices affecting climate.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 5 |
Automobile manufacturing specialist (Detroit, Michigan)
Age: 37 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 20.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Supporting ethanol aligns with our vehicle capabilities.
- Market expansion could facilitate job security.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 9 | 6 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $5000000 (Low: $2000000, High: $8000000)
Year 2: $4000000 (Low: $1500000, High: $7000000)
Year 3: $3000000 (Low: $1000000, High: $6000000)
Year 5: $3000000 (Low: $1000000, High: $5000000)
Year 10: $3000000 (Low: $500000, High: $4000000)
Year 100: $2000000 (Low: $100000, High: $3000000)
Key Considerations
- Potential environmental impacts of increased ethanol usage, such as changes in air quality and emissions.
- The impact on corn markets and the agricultural sector, potentially increasing feed and food costs.
- Influence on fuel prices and the broader energy market dynamics.
- The legislative history of ethanol policies and related subsidies.