Help Stop the EPA From Raising Ethanol Content in Gasoline

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is under pressure from some ethanol producers to raise the ethanol content in gasoline from 10% (E10) to 15% (E15). The EPA is expected to issue a decision later this month on allowing the use of E15 in late-model cars. It could permit the use in other cars at a later date. SEMA opposes the initiative due to concerns that the additional content will harm automobiles of all ages, including special-interest collector and historic vehicles.

A lack of conclusive information regarding E15’s effect on engines of different model years reinforces the need to defer or deny the increase. In addition to the potential harm of E15 on engine components, the EPA has no procedure in place to ensure that mis-fueling does not occur or any plan for ensuring regular gasoline continues to be available for older vehicles. SEMA’s concerns have been echoed by a number of other organizations.

SEMA has mounted an effort to ask President Obama to stop the EPA from raising the ethanol content in gasoline. Follow this link to write the president. For details, contact Stuart Gosswein at stuartg@sema.org.