SAN Leads the Way in Opposing E15 Waiver and Proposed Rule to Prevent Misfueling

[BonzoHansen]

REGULATORY ALERT (UPDATE)

SAN Leads the Way in Opposing E15 Waiver and Proposed Rule to Prevent Misfueling

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) asked the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to suspend the partial waiver issued last October to permit the sale of E15 for model year 2007 and newer vehicles. While issuing the waiver, the EPA confirmed that there was insufficient test data to permit E15 to be used in MY 2000 and older light-duty motor vehicles. SAN has consistently voiced concern that ethanol increases water formation which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and rubber. The agency is still gathering data for the 2001-2006 vehicles. The EPA’s ruling responded to a request from the ethanol industry to raise the ethanol content in gasoline from 10 percent (E10) to 15 percent.

The SAN also opposed a proposed rule on how to label gas pumps to help prevent vehicle misfueling, citing E10 as an example in which the EPA has not satisfied its mission to provide adequate information to the public on whether the fuel they are buying contains ethanol. There are no uniform nationwide requirements. Labeling rules are subject to state regulation. Some states do not require labels and the rules for other states vary depending upon the content percentage. SAN recommended that the EPA create national labeling requirements for both E15 and E10, and that the E15 warning label be placed as close as possible to the pump’s product selection mechanism.

Several lawsuits have been filed against the EPA contending that the agency did not have the authority to issue a partial waiver. Legislation may also be introduced in Congress to overturn the waiver. SAN will continue to oppose E15 until there are conclusive scientific findings that demonstrate that it will not harm automobiles of any age as a result of corrosion or other chemical incompatibilities.

Please forward this Alert to your fellow car enthusiasts. Urge them to join the SAN and help defend the hobby!

[Frosty]

Good post, thanks for the info.

[omarcamaro]

good to know

[BonzoHansen]

More

SAN Opposes EPA Expansion of E15 Waiver to MY 2001 and Newer Cars

Several weeks ago, the SEMA Action Network (SAN) requested that the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) suspend its partial waiver to permit the sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E15) for model year 2007 and newer vehicles. Instead, the EPA has taken another step in the wrong direction by expanding the waiver to include MY 2001-2006 vehicles. The decision conflicts with President Obama’s Executive Order from earlier this week that requires government agencies to balance social and economic costs.

The EPA agrees with SAN that older cars (pre-MY 2001) should not be fueled with E15. The EPA reached its decision based over concern that ethanol’s corrosive qualities could harm the vehicle’s engine and other metal, plastic and rubber components. The EPA has proposed that a warning label be posted on the gas pump to prevent misfueling. SAN opposes this solution as incomplete given the significant threat of damage that could arise from misfueling. Even for newer vehicles, the label will cause confusion since most owner’s manuals instruct the motorist not to use ethanol blends higher than E10 and warranty coverage may be denied for damage caused by misfueling.

SAN will continue to oppose E15 until there are conclusive scientific findings that demonstrate that it will not harm automobiles of any age as a result of corrosion or other chemical incompatibilities.

[Blacdout96]

So......when we getting E0 again?

[FlyingDutchman]

We lost ~50 gallons of gas over winter in our '87 Renken due to ethanol in the system a few years back. In fact I remember there was a lot of reports at least with marine motors having ethanol eating away at gas tanks and what not, I think Boaters magazine had an article Idr.

[BonzoHansen]

Originally Posted by Blacdout96

So......when we getting E0 again?

probably never until we kill off all forms of farm subsidies.

[BonzoHansen]

URGENT FEDERAL LEGISLATIVE ALERT

SAN Again Leads the Way in Preventing EPA from Increasing Ethanol Content in Gasoline

The SEMA Action Network (SAN) is urging the United States Congress to support a provision to prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from using designated funds to increase the amount of allowable ethanol content in gasoline to 15% (E15). The SAN contends that this legislation is necessary to protect automotive enthusiasts and consumers from misfueling and other unnecessary harm.

The provision, offered as an amendment to legislation funding the federal government for the remainder of fiscal year 2011, will suspend EPA’s efforts to quickly permit E15 in the marketplace. On behalf of millions of auto enthusiasts across the country, SAN is arguing that more time is needed for the completion of unbiased and independent testing on the impact of E15 on vehicles and engines. The SAN will continue to take proactive steps in Washington, D.C. in support of the hobby to oppose E15 until there are conclusive scientific findings that demonstrate that it will not harm automobiles of any age as a result of corrosion or other chemical incompatibilities.

Please forward this Alert to your fellow car enthusiasts. Urge them to join the SAN and help defend the hobby!

[FlyingDutchman]

I wonder if the EPA realizes you burn more ethanol than gas which means you burn more fuel even with lower emissions thats still more pollution (heat/noise/other byproducts).
I wonder if they also realize the rising cost of corn based food products due to many farms selling crops for gas instead of food, therefore increasing world hunger.

[Frosty]

EDIT: Never mind, I just posted the same info Scott did.

[BonzoHansen]

House Approves SAN Supported Measure to Suspend EPA E15 Program; Senate Action Next

The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a provision to prevent the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from using agency funds to permit an increase in the amount of ethanol content in gasoline to 15% (E15). The provision is part of a larger bill to fund the federal government during fiscal year 2011 which must also be approved by the U.S. Senate. The SEMA Action Network (SAN) requested this action and worked hard to secure the vote. When signed into law by President Obama, this timely legislation will protect automotive enthusiasts and consumers from misfueling and other unnecessary harm.
On behalf of millions of auto enthusiasts across the country, SAN applauds the House of Representatives for acknowledging the need for more unbiased and independent testing on the impact of E15 on vehicles and engines. The provision suspends EPA’s premature efforts to permit E15 in the marketplace in fiscal year 2011. The SAN is now working to help pass a newly introduced bill (HR 748) to repeal the EPA E15 program altogether.
The SAN will continue to take proactive steps in Washington, D.C. to oppose E15 until there are conclusive scientific findings that demonstrate that it will not harm automobiles of any age as a result of corrosion or other chemical incompatibilities.
Please forward this Alert to your fellow car enthusiasts. Urge them to join the SAN and help defend the hobby! Thank you for your assistance.