The AMA joined ABATE of Michigan, the Motorcycle Riders Foundation and other motorcyclists in Michigan in March to oppose a plan by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to allow year round sales of E15 fuel.

The AMA opposes the EPA plan because none of the estimated 22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles in use in the United States is approved by the EPA to operate on ethanol blends higher than 10 percent. Allowing more E15 into the marketplace increases the risk of inadvertent misfueling by consumers.

Ethanol can cause damage to engines, fuel systems and exhaust components in vehicles not designed for a specific blend.

“We urge the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency not to allow gasoline blended with up to 15 percent ethanol to take advantage of the 1-psi Reid Vapor Pressure waiver which would, in turn, allow year-round sales of this fuel,” AMA Director of Government Relations Greg Pecoraro said at the hearing.

“Despite the EPA’s belief that additional misfueling measures are unnecessary and outside the scope of the proposed action, this action would greatly increase the risk of inadvertent misfueling for motorcyclists and all-terrain vehicle owners,” Pecoraro said. “This risk alone is sufficient to reconsider this action.”

The full text of the AMA comments can be found at www.americanmotorcyclist.com.

 

E15 labeling bill considered

AMA backs plan

The AMA has been working with the National Marine Manufacturers Association in support of H.R. 1024, which would require revision of the pictured fuel pump label, which appears where E15 fuel is sold.

The revisions would include adding the word “WARNING” and the instruction “Check your owner’s manual.” The labels would have to be 5-X-7 inches or larger and include information about vehicles, engines and equipment that are prohibited from using E15, including motorcycles, boats and lawnmowers.

The labels also would contain a warning for pre-2001 model year cars and trucks.

The bill also proposes a separate label for blender pumps warning that residual fuel in the hoses could contain more ethanol than their vehicle may legally use.

None of the estimated 22 million motorcycles and ATVs in use in the United States is certified by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency to operate on fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol (E10).