(WASHINGTON, DC) Today, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced a “Notice of Public Rulemaking” regarding labels on E15 fuel dispensers. In the notice, the EPA proposed two potential changes to the current fuel pump labels related to E15. The first is modification of the current label and the second is removal of the label altogether.

 

The modified label proposal contains these possible changes:

• Removing the “Attention” stripe along the upper right corner of the label.
• Removing the phrase “E15” from the label, while including the language “contains up to 15% percent ethanol”.
• Revising the language “Use only in” to “Safe for use in”.
• Revising the language “Don’t use in” to “Avoid use in”.
• Revising the format of the word “prohibited” such that it is not in bold and italicized type.

 

The proposed total removal of the label would likely mean that Federal Trade Commission and the Clean Air Act regulations would have to be adjusted or accounted for.

 

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is concerned that either of these proposals will lead more consumers choosing the incorrect fuel for their vehicles.

The MRF will submit comments to the EPA on our position in the next 90 days. Additionally, we will continue to advocate that Congress pass a law requiring strong labeling requirements. Consumers must know not only what they are putting in their vehicles, but also the potential harm different blends of fuel can do to their engines.