Support bill to require U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to seek independent scientific analysis on the effects of 15 percent ethanol

On April 19, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) sent a letter to U.S. House Speaker John Boehner urging the House to consider H.R. 3199 that would require the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to seek independent scientific analysis on the effects of E15 gasoline as soon as possible. This bill needs the support of the House so the American people will know exactly how the use of 15 percent ethanol blend (E15) gasoline will affect the operation of their vehicles.

The House Committee on Science, Space and Technology reported H.R. 3199 favorably, as amended, with a vote of 19-7 on Feb. 7. The bill was introduced by U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner (R-Wis.).

“The EPA’s decision to allow E15 into the marketplace will impact every American who owns a car, lawnmower or boat,” Sensenbrenner said. “Automakers insist that using E15 will void warranties, lower fuel efficiency and cause premature engine failure. In off-road engines, the effects can even be dangerous for users.

“There are serious concerns that the EPA used only one Department of Energy test and rushed E15s introduction into the marketplace,” Sensenbrenner said. “This test was limited in scope and ignored a plethora of evidence — albeit inconvenient evidence for the EPA — that shows E15 gasoline has a negative effect on engines.”

The new E15 gasoline formulation may soon appear at a fueling station near you, and you need to be careful how you use this new fuel blend. That is because the EPA, in October 2010, approved E15 for use in model year 2007 and newer light duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks, and medium-duty passenger vehicles). In January 2011, it added model year 2001-2006 light duty vehicles to the approved list.

Riders should pay attention to this list because no motorcycles or ATVs are currently listed.

The AMA is concerned about E15 because it burns hotter than gasoline that contains a lesser amount of ethanol. In engines not designed to dissipate that extra heat, damage in the form of premature wear can result. Although this is a concern in all motorcycles, it’s particularly problematic for air-cooled engines found in many bikes. Moreover, use of E15 may even void the manufacturer warranty.

Since the approved list includes many light-duty vehicles in use today, refineries, distributors, and fueling stations may choose to offer primarily E15 gasoline because of this action by the EPA. This should concern all motorcyclists and off-highway enthusiasts since this may affect the availability of gasoline with less or no ethanol (E10 or E0).

The AMA supports H.R. 3199 and urges its members and, all motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle riders, to contact Boehner and their representatives to voice their support for this bill.

A prewritten email is available for you to send Boehner by clicking here.

You can send a prewritten email to your representative immediately by following the “Take Action” option and entering your information. The AMA encourages riders to personalize their message by drawing on their own personal riding experiences.

Please write Boehner and your representative today and urge them to support H.R. 3199.