U.S. House Committee Passes Bill Requiring Independent Scientific Analysis of E15 Gasoline |
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Topics: Ethanol
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SEMA Action Network
February 7, 2012
The U.S. House Science Committee approved a bill (H.R. 3199) directing the National Academy of Sciences 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 Academy of Sciences would have 18 months to conduct its analysis. HR 3199 will now be considered by the full House of Representatives.
We Urge You to Contact Your Congressional Representative to Request Their Support for H.R. 3199
H.R. 3199 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. 3199 recognizes that E15 is not yet in the marketplace. It is still the subject of several lawsuits and Congress could enact legislation to block the sale.
H.R. 3199 prevents the EPA from permitting the sale of E15 before the report has been submitted to the House Science Committee.
H.R. 3199 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.