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Small engine groups file E10 petition

Auto, marine, motorcycle, outdoor power equipment, personal watercraft and snowmobile groups have filed a petition with the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure the continued sale and availability of gasoline blends that are no more than 10 percent ethanol.  The groups contend their engines are not designed to run on fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol.

The EPA has cleared the use of E15 in cars built after the year 2000, the engine groups contend many gas stations do not have room to carry both E10 and E15 so they might opt for E15 because it would be more profitable.  That means E10 would not be available for the smaller engines.

The Renewable Fuels Association says there is no need for a mandate and the group’s effort is nothing more than an attempt to prevent consumers from moving to E15.  They are encouraging EPA to “continue ignoring such diversionary tactics that would limit America’s ability to replace imported oil and move swiftly to finalize regulations and labelling issues so that meaningful volumes of E15 can be sold.”

Earlier this week, the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association, the International Liquid Terminals Association and the Western States Petroleum Association file suit in federal court seeking to overturn the EPA decision to authorize the use of E15.  The associations argue clearing the fuel for use in some engines but not others is a violation of the Clean Air Act.  They also express “concerns regarding potential engine damage that E15 may cause to passenger vehicles, boats, and outdoor power equipment such as lawnmowers and chain saws.”