It’s about to become even more confusing for motorcyclists hoping to avoid ethanol at the fuel pump in the wake of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s announcement to allow year-round sales of E15.

Several fuel retailers announced plans to begin offering E15, which contains 15 percent ethanol by volume, year-round under the label “Unleaded 88.”

“Such non-descriptive language not only hides the ethanol component of the fuel, but it adds to the labeling perplexity that already exists,” said AMA Vice President for Government Relations Wayne Allard. “We have E10, E15 and E85 pumps, as well as blender pump variations. This is not consumer choice. This is consumer confusion. And it will result in more motorcyclists, and others whose engines can be damaged by ethanol, inadvertently fueling with higher-ethanol blends.”

Higher ethanol blends carry a lower pump price, and studies have shown the majority of consumers shop by price, rather than following the guidance provided in their vehicles’ owner’s manual.

Among the retailers announcing plans to increase E15 availability are Cumberland Farms, Casey’s General Store, Kwik Trip, Sheetz, Kum & Go, Minnoco, RaceTrac Petroleum, Thorntons, Protec Fuel, QuikTrip, Family Express, Holiday, Murphy USA, Rutter’s and Cenex.

Year-round E15 sales require a waiver of current regulations, and the EPA says it will announce rule changes in February and could have a waiver in place by May.

Court challenges are expected, but it’s unknown how that could affect E15 sales as the cases are brought and resolved.

The AMA opposes the waiver, because it will encourage more outlets to stock the controversial fuel, creating a higher risk of inadvertent misfueling by motorcyclists and ATV owners.