Changes to EPA rule-making could adversely impact motorcyclists trying to avoid E15 fuel.

The fuel labeling changes outlined in a fact sheet published in April by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency could confuse motorcyclists, who need to be aware of the amount of ethanol in the fuel they dispense into their bikes.

None of the estimated 22 million motorcycles and ATVs in use in the United States is certified by the EPA to operate on fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol.

Under part of the EPA’s proposed rule which affects the federal Renewable Fuel Standard, alternative labels for E15 fuel—which contains up to 15 percent ethanol—would be valid if the proposed changes are adopted.

Also, under current EPA regulations, fuel and fuel additive manufacturers that make E15 or ethanol for use in making E15 must participate in a compliance survey to ensure E15 pump dispensers are labeled appropriately.

There are two options to satisfy the compliance survey condition: a geographically focused survey or a national survey, according to a report from the Renewable Fuels Association.

The EPA said it is “proposing that participation in the national survey program would satisfy the national survey option for purposes of compliance with the E15 waiver conditions.

“The E15 waiver conditions would allow E15 fuel and fuel additive manufacturers to continue using a geographically focused option instead if they so desired, and part 1090 includes provisions to facilitate such a program,” the EPA proposal says. “However, we expect that fuel and fuel additive manufacturers would elect to participate in the national survey program due to significant amount of cost savings associated with participating in it.”

The regulations in 40 CFR part 80 would be replaced with a single set of provisions and definitions in a new 40 CFR part 1090 that would apply across all gasoline, diesel and other fuel quality programs now regulated under 40 CFR part 80, with the exception of the RFS.