45 US Representatives question EPA on E15 ethanol

Members of the US House of Representatives have sent an open letter to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) questioning how it intends to protect small engine consumers from high ethanol blends.

In the letter, 45 Representatives from both parties ask EPA administrator Gina McCarthy how the EPA plans to prevent consumers from accidently misfuelling with E15 and higher blends of ethanol.

The letter comes in response to the increasing ethanol mandates set forth by the EPA, requesting information on the agency’s consumer outreach efforts to date and on what plans the agency has to educate consumers in the future. 

“While consumers remain unaware of the high cost of inappropriate use of E15, misfuelling can lead to significant problems,” the letter reads. “Uninformed consumers will make fuelling mistakes, resulting in costly and dangerous malfunctions.”

The letter quotes a study carried out by Harris Poll by saying only 5% of consumers are “currently aware that E15 is prohibited for use in certain engines”, and 60% of consumers assuming all petrol sold at pump stations is safe for their engines.

According to the American Automobile Association, American Motorcyclist Association, and National Marine Manufacturers Association, use of E15 will instantly void warranties for their engine products.