Underwriters Laboratories is getting closer to approving fuel pumps for dispensing of 85 percent ethanol.

According to a press release, UL currently expects to finalize research and publish certification requirements by the end of the fourth quarter of 2007 and, immediately thereafter, accept E85 dispensing equipment for investigation to the safety requirements and certification of compliant equipment.

UL has been working since October to establish standards for fuel pumps that dispense higher blends of ethanol such as E-85. Earlier this week, a bi-partisan group of Senators sent a letter to UL CEO Keith Williams requesting that the approval process be completed.

According to Senator John Thune (R-SD), the lack of a U-L Certification has nearly halted the installation of new E-85 pumps and is slowing down ethanol growth.

“For years now, Congress has made ethanol an important part of our nation’s energy policy. As we work to promote E85 and higher grades of ethanol like E20, fuel that contains 20 percent ethanol, it is critical that UL provide the necessary certification for fuel dispensers to deliver alternative fuels at local gas stations. I urge UL to act in a timely manner to certify these pumps and remove this unnecessary barrier to the use of higher blends of ethanol,” said Thune.