Representatives to Stop Sale of E15 Gas Pending Scientific Analysis

SEMA-supported legislation (HR 875) has been introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives directing the National Academies to conduct a scientific assessment on how gasoline blended with 15 to 20 percent ethanol (E15 and E20) may impact gasoline-powered engines, vehicles and related equipment.  The analysis would consider a variety of issues including tailpipe and evaporative emissions, impact on OBD systems, materials compatibility and fuel efficiency.  The National Academies would have 18 months to conduct its analysis, during which time sales of E15 blended gas would be halted.   HR 875 has been assigned to the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology for consideration.  The Committee passed a similar bill last year but no further action took place.  The U.S. Senate is currently considering another SEMA-supported bill (S. 344) to ban sales of E15.

We Urge You to Contact Your Congressional Representative to Request Support for H.R. 875

• H.R. 875 acknowledges that E15 causes corrosion with incompatible parts.  Ethanol increases water formation which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and rubber.  The EPA allows use of E15 in 2001 and newer vehicles, but agreed to make it “illegal to fuel pre-2001 vehicles” with E15.  A required warning label on the gasoline pump will not protect consumers from accidentally misfueling these vehicles/engines.
   
• H.R. 875 prevents the EPA from permitting the sale of E15 before the report from the National Academies has been submitted to the House Science Committee.
   
• H.R. 875 potentially protects millions of vehicles and engines that can be harmed from E15.  The EPA was premature in permitting the sale since it is still unclear how E15 impacts tailpipe and evaporative emissions, OBD systems, materials compatibility and fuel efficiency.

DON’T DELAY!  Click here to contact your member of the U.S. House of Representatives to request support for H.R. 875.  Under Federal Officials, Identify Your Congressional District Representative:  http://semasan.com/lookup.asp?g=semaga

For more information, contact Dan Sadowski at dans@sema.org.