Ethanol Producers Recommend Their Version of Warning Labels For E15 Pumps

In response to the Environmental Protection Agency's recent call for comments regarding the now-approved use of E15 fuels for some U.S. vehicles, Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association last week proposed new labeling for fuel pumps to prevent motorists from filling vehicles built before model year 2007 with gasoline containing E15.

In response to the Environmental Protection Agency's recent call for comments regarding the now-approved use of E15 fuels for some U.S. vehicles, Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association last week proposed new labeling for fuel pumps to prevent motorists from filling vehicles built before model year 2007 with gasoline containing E15. EPA proposed the E15 labeling requirements to prevent potential damage to older vehicles from misfueling.

In his comments, RFA President Bob Dinneen said the original EPA proposal for labeling E15 was misleading, and called on EPA to remove the proposed language, which says: "This fuel might damage other vehicles or engines." Meanwhile, Growth Energy said it opposes the use of the word "CAUTION," proposed by EPA, for the top of the label.

The proposed EPA label is topped with the word "CAUTION!," and says the fuel "contains 15 percent ethanol maximum." It goes on to say the fuel is for use only in 2007 or newer vehicles or flex-fuel vehicles specifically built to use higher ethanol blends. It says the fuel may damage other vehicles and that federal law prohibits its use in other vehicles and engines.

The label proposed by RFA is similar to the EPA proposed label, but is topped with the term "E15," and the phrase "(15 percent Ethanol Maximum)." It says E15 is "approved for use" in model year 2007 and newer cars and light trucks and flex fuel vehicles, and eliminates the warning about engine damage. It also would add that E15 is prohibited in non-road engines and equipment.

The label proposed by Growth Energy is similar to the RFA label but includes the word "ATTENTION" rather than "CAUTION!"

Separately, the American Petroleum Institute said that if anything, the EPA label was too weak and urged stronger wording. API spokesman Robert Greco said consumers should be made aware that EPA has not endorsed E15 or issued a finding that it is safe for any particular vehicle or use.

Consumers should be directed to the manufacturer of their vehicle, engine, or equipment for guidance on appropriate fuel choices, he said. The agency also must do more to prevent misfueling with E15 in non-road equipment, Greco said. Such equipment may include lawnmowers and chain saws. 

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