URGENT LEGISLATIVE ALERT: UPDATE: Illinois Bill to Encourage E15 Sales to be Considered by House Committee on Mar. 1 |
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Topics: Ethanol
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SEMA Action Network
February 28, 2012
On Thurs., Mar. 1, 2012, the Illinois House Revenue & Finance Committee will consider legislation (H.B. 5895) allowing the state’s Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to provide information to gas stations encouraging the stations to offer E15 as an option for customers. The bill also allows the Department to provide information to gas stations on any financial assistance that may be available to subsidize the cost of providing E15 blended fuel to consumers. H.B. 5895 was introduced despite the fact that a bill is moving through the U.S. House of Representatives which would require the National Academy of Sciences to further analyze the effects of E15 on engines and other components before the EPA can permit its sale.
We Urge You to Contact Members of the Illinois House Revenue & Finance Committee (List Below) Immediately to Oppose H.B. 5895
H.B. 5895 ignores the fact that ethanol increases water formation which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and rubber, especially over a period of time when the vehicle is not used. This can lead to engine/parts failures and, potentially, safety hazards. Ethanol also burns hotter and can cause some engines to stall, misfire and overheat. Current high performance specialty parts along with the pre-2001 cars and parts may be most susceptible to corrosion and overheating.
H.B. 5895 ignores the fact that the life span of these vehicles and equipment can be dramatically reduced with the wrong fuel and the owners could be confronted with break downs. Anti-corrosion additives are available for each purchase of gasoline but can become expensive and burdensome on consumers.
H.B. 5895 makes no plan to ensure that misfueling does not occur or any plan to guarantee gasoline without ethanol will be available for older vehicles.