PRESS RELEASE: Stronger Labeling Laws Step in Right Direction to Reform Ethanol Mandate
WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Reps. Austin Scott (R-Ga.) and Lois Frankel (D-Fla.) held a press conference today on their legislation, the Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2018 (H.R. 5855), which requires the Environmental Protection Agency to increase gasoline labeling and outreach to the public on how to safely use fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol.
Gasoline with ethanol can wreak havoc on engines in boats, older cars, snow mobiles, lawn mowers, chain saws and other small engines. Despite the potentially damaging impacts, there has been a push by some federal officials to boost the amount of ethanol in gasoline to 15 percent (E15) or higher.
David DeGennaro, agriculture policy specialist with the National Wildlife Federation, said:
“The National Wildlife Federation stands with the anglers, boaters, snow mobile riders, gardeners, and others whose equipment has been damaged by corn ethanol in gasoline. This legislation will save consumers time and money and allow them to better take advantage of the great outdoors.
“The bill tackles some of the symptoms of the ethanol mandate – now it’s time to tackle the root cause. What is needed is reform of the Renewable Fuel Standard itself. The GREENER Fuels Act introduced by U.S. Rep. Peter Welch (D-Vt.) and Sen. Tom Udall (D-N.M.) would protect our water and environment—while supporting clean fuel goals the right way. It would keep ethanol below 10 percent of the fuel supply and prevent the expansion of E15 – measures that will keep fuel safe for use in boats and other small engines, while also protecting our fisheries and wildlife habitats.”
Originally Posted on NWF.org