The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering allowing the introduction of E15 ethanol gasoline for marine engines. The agency`s comment deadline is July 20.
Boat Owners Association of The United States and the National Marine Manufacturers Association are urging every boater in America to speak out on the issue.
BoatU.S. and the NMMA are concerned because boat engines are not designed, calibrated or certified for use with gasoline containing more than 10 percent ethanol. Recreational boat warranty documents and manufacturers owner’s manuals currently advise boaters not to use gasoline containing more than 10 percent ethanol, and therefore, the use of E15 in marine engines could void engine warranties and damage motors and fuel systems.
In March, Growth Energy, a pro-ethanol lobbying organization, and 54 ethanol producers petitioned the EPA to allow an increase in the amount of ethanol in gasoline from 10 percent (E10) to 15 percent (E15).