E15 ethanol takes one more step to the gas pumps
29 Jun, 2011 Landscape Management
WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has finalized rules for gasoline stations on labeling pumps that carry fuel with 15% ethanol. The decision is the final barrier to the use of E15 over the E10 that is sold at most pumps today.
The response from the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) was swift.
“EPA’s decision to bring E15 on the market without requiring stations to carry the legacy fuel (E10) will unfortunately lead to misfueling,” said Ken Kiser, vice president of OPEI. “There are millions of off-road, small engine equipment (lawnmower, chainsaw, motorcycle, snowmobile, boats) and older cars on the market that are not designed to run on E15.
“Labeling is not enough. EPA, consistent with prior precedent, should ensure consumer choice by requiring the continued sale of E10 gasoline blends to avoid harming existing products or posing safety risks.”
Along with the finalized rules, a new orange and black label was unveiled. It will identify E15 and warn owners of older vehicles, those manufactured prior to 2001, not to use it.
Critics — OPEI, auto manufacturers and others — say the warning sticker is not enough to prevent misfueling and the possibility of costly engine damage and the loss of engine warranty protection.
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