The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is expected to increase the amount of ethanol that can be blended with gasoline, but don’t expect a big celebration at the Iowa Renewable Fuels Association.

Monte Shaw, executive director of the trade group, said a bump to a 15 percent ethanol blend from the current 10 percent blend for automobiles manufactured in 2007 or later will do little to persuade retailers to add the product, called E15.

“It’s a positive step, but it’s kind of like the junior varsity game — we’re waiting for the main event,” Shaw said.

The main event is an announcement that could come later this year allowing the use of E15 in vehicles manufactured in 2001 and later.

The EPA has scheduled a news conference for 12:30 a.m. today, when it is expected to announce approval for the use of E15 in vehicles produced during the last four model years.

Agency approval of the fuel for other model years is pending the outcome of testing conducted by the U.S. Department of Energy to determine whether the higher ethanol content would be harmful to engines in those vehicles.

Shaw said his organization will do little by way of a public education campaign to persuade consumers and retailers to switch to the fuel until the tests are concluded and the EPA expands its waiver on the use of E15.

If that happens, “then we can say, ‘If you offer E15, it will be your best selling fuel,’” Shaw said.