Summary

Requires the EPA Administrator to change a vehicle emissions regulation within 120 days so that flexible-fuel vehicles (FFVs) can be counted as having 31% lower carbon monoxide (CO) grams-per-mile for fleet-average CO compliance. It also allows the EPA to adopt a larger CO reduction for FFVs later if a newer Argonne GREET model supports a bigger decrease. The bill includes a finding about E85 corn-starch ethanol reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 37% per mile versus gasoline and sets definitions for key terms used in the rule change.

Key Points

• Requires the EPA to revise fleet-average CO calculation rules within 120 days so FFVs can be credited with a 31% lower CO grams-per-mile value than non-FFV counterparts.
• Permits the EPA to adopt a larger CO reduction later if new GREET (Argonne) model results justify a bigger adjustment.
• Includes a factual finding that E85 from average corn starch ethanol reduces GHGs by 37% per mile compared to gasoline without ethanol.
• Defines key terms by reference to existing federal definitions for the EPA Administrator, flexible-fuel vehicle, and manufacturer.
• Does not provide funding, change taxes, or create new federal spending programs.
• Alters compliance accounting for automakers' fleet-average CO standards, potentially easing compliance for fleets with FFVs.
• Does not directly change actual emissions limits for individual vehicles or require production of FFVs.

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