The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing a regulatory program to help mitigate the potential for misfueling certain engines, vehicles, and equipment with gasoline containing greater than 10% by volume ethanol up to 15% ethanol (E15). The proposed rule would require all E15 gasoline fuel dispensers to have a label if a retail station chooses to sell E15 and seeks comment on separate labeling requirements for fuel blender pumps and fuel pumps that dispense E85.
At this time E15 is only approved for use in cars and light trucks 2007 model year and newer. It is not approved for use in any on-road vehicles 2000 model year or older nor any off-road engines (including heavy duty engines, ATVs, lawn mowers, boats, etc.). At this time, EPA is still evaluating the effects of its use in cars and light trucks model years 2001-2006 and will render a decision in the future.
All gas stations that choose to sell E15 will have to upgrade their dispensing systems/add additional dispensers to allow for the sale of both E10 (currently in use) and the newly approved E15. The US EPA has proposed a label to alert customers as to which fuel they are dispensing in their vehicle.
AUTHORS OPINION: Given the severity of potential damage E15 could do to an engine not designed to use it and the complete indemnification of the USEPA and gas station for selling E15, I personally think such a label is useless in protecting the public interest. If EPA’s intent is to increase the use of this product, they should require vehicles and dispensing containers to be fitted with a mechanical interlock that prevents E15 from being used in unapproved vehicles and engines.
In addition, I also believe that EPA should require a testing/tracking program to ensure that E15 blended at a terminal can be tracked to a station so that terminal and station owners can be held accountable for dispensing E15 to non-approved vehicles (e.g. if E15 is sent to marinas).
Comments on this proposal should be submitted by January 3, 2011. 75 Fed. Reg. 68043 (November 4, 2010). I encourage all members to submit any comments they feel appropriate regarding this proposed regulatory program.
—Sam Insalaco
On Mon, Nov 15, 2010 at 8:20 AM, Yvonne Hill <hilly@hq.usps.org> wrote:
Hi Sam,
Can you please send text of what is on SailAngle so we can also post on USPS bulletin. I want to avoid upsetting our members.
Thanks,
Yvonne
Yvonne Hill • Editor • USPS
P.O. Box 31664 • Raleigh, NC 27622
888-367-8777 • Fax 888-304-0813
The Ensign magazine • USPS Compass
From: JotForm [mailto:noreply@jotform.com]
Sent: Monday, November 15, 2010 8:15 AM
To: Yvonne Hill
Subject: New Submission: USPS Monthly Broadcast
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Sam Insalaco
www.bereapowersquadron.org
www.usps.org
www.northcoastboating.com
