Boats and Ethanol Fuel: BoatUS Wants to Hear From You

Take a short 13-question survey

ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 21, 2018 – With the start of the boating season, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) wants to hear from boaters about their experiences with ethanol fuels in an online survey at https://bit.ly/2JM4AS5. The short, 13-question survey is an effort to gain an understanding about how ethanol fuels are affecting recreational boating this summer, gauge opinion, and seek out comments related to the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

When it was passed in 2005, the RFS assumed that America’s use of gasoline would continue to grow. Since then, however, gasoline usage has not increased as forecast, which today forces more ethanol into each gallon of gas. To keep up with the RFS mandate and avoid hitting a “blend wall” in which the volume of ethanol production would exceed consumption and infrastructure constraints, in 2010 the EPA granted a waiver to allow E15 into the marketplace. Recently, President Trump also proposed the sale of E15 year-round.

Only fuels containing up to 10 percent ethanol (E10) are permitted for use in recreational boats, and anything greater voids many marine engine warranties. However, 92 percent of readers of Boating Industry magazine that serves the boating trades reported in 2017 that they have seen damage caused by ethanol, which also decreases fuel economy, thus increasing fuel cost, and has questionable environmental benefits. BoatUS also has concerns over potential consumer misfueling as E15 pump labeling requirements are minimal with just a small orange warning label.

BoatUS is a member of the Smarter Fuel Future coalition which aims to reform the broken RFS. For more information, go to www.SmarterFuelFuture.org.

BoatUS - Where Big Ethanol is King, Many Prefer Ethanol-Free Gas

Report: More ethanol-free fuel sold in Iowa than E15 and all flex fuels combined

DES MOINES, Iowa, May 3, 2018 – Even in Iowa, it appears many Hawkeye State residents aren’t fond of ethanol fuels mandated by the federal government’s Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

A report from the Iowa Department of Revenue shows that ethanol-free gas (E0) is a more popular fuel choice than E15 (15 percent ethanol) and all flex fuels (E20, E85) combined, with Iowans purchasing more than 200 million gallons of E0 fuel in 2016.

That’s more fuel that the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) projects the entire US will be able to use in the near future while still satisfying growing annual biofuel obligations under the Renewable Fuel Standard.

The nation’s largest boating advocacy group, Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), says citizens of the number-one ethanol-producing state in the nation choosing ethanol-free fuel for their own personal vehicles and equipment is another example of the need for RFS reform. “This is the part of the country where Big Ethanol interests dominate, but right in their backyard the citizens of Iowa have spoken with their pocketbooks and wallets,” said BoatUS Manager of Government Affairs David Kennedy. “They know what ethanol can do to their vehicles, power equipment and boats. We support every effort to recognize an Iowan’s right to choose safe ethanol-free fuels. It’s time to fix the RFS.”

When it was passed in 2005, the RFS assumed that America’s use of gasoline would continue to grow. Since then, however, gasoline usage has not increased as forecast, which today forces more ethanol into each gallon of gas. To keep up with the RFS mandate and avoid hitting a “blend wall” in which the volume of ethanol production would exceed consumption and infrastructure constraints, in 2010 EPA granted a waiver to allow E15 into the marketplace. Most recently on April 12, President Trump also proposed the sale of E15 year-round that would require a waiver to the Clean Air Act.

Only fuels containing up to 10 percent ethanol (E10) are permitted for use in recreational boats, and anything greater voids many marine engine warranties. However, 92 percent of readers of a prominent boating industry publication reported in 2017 that they have seen damage caused by ethanol, which also decreases fuel economy, thus increasing fuel cost, and has questionable environmental benefits. BoatUS also has concerns over potential consumer misfueling as E15 pump labeling requirements are minimal – just a small orange warning label.

BoatUS is a member of the Smarter Fuel Future coalition. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/2I56Joa.

Iowans purchased more than 200 million gallons of ethanol-free fuel in 2016.

BoatUS Skewers Latest "Big Ethanol" Effort to Support Government Ethanol Mandate

ALEXANDRIA, VA, May 16, 2017 –“Big Ethanol” is at it again. In a new advertising campaign timed with the start of boating season, the Renewable Fuels Association (RFA), the leading trade association for America’s ethanol industry, continues to spread mistruths in its support of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS), a 2005 law that mandates the blending of biofuels such as corn-ethanol into our gasoline. The nation’s largest recreational boating advocacy, services and safety group Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) clarifies the ad campaign’s spin with hard truths.

SPIN: “E10 is the fuel of choice for many boaters because of its high performance and lower emissions.”

HARD TRUTH: E10 is simply the most common fuel sold in America today, but it is not recreational boaters’ preferred choice of fuel. According to those surveyed by BoatUS, 91 percent prefer non-ethanol fuel for their boats. Unfortunately, non-ethanol gas is facing more uncertainty as the government mandate to increase the volume of ethanol in the nation’s fuel supply may actually reduce the availability of ethanol-free gas. While ethanol boosts a fuel’s octane rating, the US Department of Energy acknowledges that ethanol contains less energy than gasoline and “result(s) in lower fuel economy.”

SPIN: E10 is the “preferred choice by professionals” with supporting quotes by the National Boat Racing Association and Crappie Masters.

HARD TRUTH: Both organizations are sponsored by the RFA.

SPIN: “Tip #1: Ensure a tight seal, if water is found, dry the tank before refueling.”

HARD TRUTH: This impractical and potentially very unsafe “tip” asks boaters with built-in fuel tanks to do the impossible. Removing and disposing of phase-separated fuel – a result of too much water in moisture-attracting ethanol fuels – can only be done safely by professionals and is expensive. Even for those with portable fuel tanks, this RFA spin offers no practical, reality-based solution to the challenging disposal issue of the ethanol-and-water soaked gas.

SPIN: “Regular maintenance is key.”

HARD TRUTH: It certainly is when it comes to ethanol! A 2016 survey by Boating Industry magazine points to ethanol as playing an even “bigger role” in boat service issues than it was the year prior, with 87 percent of survey respondents reporting seeing boat engine damage caused by ethanol. Said one boat manufacturer, “Ethanol is a boom for the service departments (and a) huge drag on our industry because it negatively affects the customers. It makes them hate boating. It ruins their day, their boat and their entire boating experience.”

Go to BoatUS.com/gov/rfs.asp for more information on the Renewable Fuel Standard. BoatUS is a member of the Smarter Fuel Future coalition.

Boating, Angling Interests Ask Federal Government to Fix Renewable Fuel Standard Now

Boating and Fishing Groups Send Message to Trump Administration and Congress:

Now is Time to Fix Broken Ethanol Policy

26,000 Sign Petition for Ethanol Fuels Reform

WASHINGTON, DC, May 3, 2017 – In a letter sent today to the Trump administration and Congress, a coalition of recreational boating and sportfishing interests urged action to fix America’s broken ethanol policy. The American Sportfishing Association (ASA), Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS), National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and Marine Retailers Association of the Americas (MRAA) on behalf of the nation’s 12 million recreational boat owners, 46 million recreational anglers and 35,000 recreational boating businesses respectively expressed concern with the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS).

The RFS is the 2005 law that mandates the blending of biofuels such as corn-ethanol into our gasoline. When written, it was assumed that America’s use of gasoline would continue to rise. However, US gasoline usage has actually dropped steadily since 2005 and now the law forces more corn ethanol into fewer gallons of gasoline.

Boaters and anglers need access to safe and approved fuels. The letter said the RFS “…has discriminatorily affected the boating public – groups of boaters and anglers who purchase fuel for their boats… We write to ask that you to set a new course for the RFS – one that takes into account the objective concerns expressed by the boating community.”

Because of its ability to damage boat engines, federal law prohibits the use of gas blends greater than E10 (10 percent ethanol) in recreational boats. However, as the RFS forces E15 (15 percent ethanol) and higher blends into the market, the chance of misfueling increases. A 2016 Harris Poll found that 64 percent of consumers were not sure or did not pay attention to the type of gas they used. ASA, BoatUS, NMMA and MRAA believe that the increased volumes of E15 and other higher ethanol-blend fuels also reduce the availability of E10 and ethanol-free gas.

The letter asks for common sense reforms, such as ensuring that any future ethanol volumes do not exceed 9.7 percent of the nation’s total fuel supply; protecting true consumer choice at the pump by not artificially decreasing the supply of ethanol-free gasoline, and implementing new and more effective misfueling mitigation protections that will educate and protect all consumers.

Additionally, an appeal by the coalition of the four groups to the boating public and their members to petition for RFS reform with their local congressional representative and President Trump received over 26,000 responses from across the country.

To view the letter, go to BoatUS.com/gov

BoatU.S. Delivers 24,000 Comments Urging EPA to Stop Adding More Ethanol to Nation's Fuel Supply

Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) President Margaret Podlich and Government Affairs Senior Program Manager David Kennedy, delivered over 24,000 comments from recreational boaters to EPA Headquarters in Washington DC to ask the agency to stop adding more ethanol to the nation’s gasoline supply.

Thanks to the many California boaters that have taken action to contact the EPA.

For more information: click here

BoatUS Asks Boaters to Say "No" to More Ethanol in 2017

Deadline for Comments July 11

THE ISSUE:  The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is asking for comments on a proposal to increase the amount of ethanol that must be blended into the nation’s gasoline supply for 2017. If adopted, these proposed levels will require the use of a record amount of ethanol, forcing higher-level ethanol fuel blends (including E15 or 15% ethanol) into gas pumps and at more gas stations. Most marine engines are built to only work with up to 10% ethanol, and it is illegal to use gas containing more than 10% ethanol in any marine engine.

ACTION NEEDED NOW:  Boat Owners Association of The United States (BoatUS) is urging all recreational boaters to send a message today urging the EPA to lower the ethanol mandates to ensure an adequate supply of fuel that will work with recreational boat engine and fuel systems. BoatUS offers a simple way to send comments by going to: click here. The deadline for public comments is July 11.

BACKGROUND:  The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is the 2005 law that requires the blending of biofuels such as corn-ethanol into our gasoline. When written, it was assumed that America’s use of gasoline would continue to rise. However, US gasoline usage has actually dropped steadily since 2005 and now the law forces more ethanol into fewer gallons of gasoline.

To keep up with this mandate, in 2010 the EPA permitted E15 (fuel containing up to 15% ethanol) into the marketplace, for some engines. E15 has been proven to damage boat engines and so it is prohibited in marine engines. It is also illegal to use E15 in snowmobiles, motorcycles, small engines like lawnmowers and leaf blowers, as well as any car or light-truck made before 2001.

E15 and higher ethanol fuel blends can now be found 23 states, often at the very same pumps as E10 gasoline. Those states include: Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and Wisconsin.

A sticker on the pump mixed in with all the other labels may be the only warning for E15 gasoline. This creates a huge potential for mis-fueling and puts boaters at risk of using fuel that will damage their engines. About 40% of the over half a million BoatUS members report filling up the family boat at a gas station and another 35% use portable gas cans. BoatUS is also a member of the Smarter Fuel Future, and additional RFS information is at BoatUS.com/gov/RFS.asp.

BoatU.S. Urges Boaters to Contact EPA & Ask for Reduction in Ethanol Mandate

President's Corner - From BoatUS President, Margaret Podlich

In what has become another sign of spring, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is calling for comments on the so-called "renewable volume obligations (RVOs)" for 2017. Why am I sharing this with you? These make up the Federal mandate dictating how much ethanol must be mixed into the nation's gas supply required by the 2005 Renewable Fuel Standards (RFS) law. While America's total fuel consumption has been on a long decline, (which is a wonderful accomplishment!) the amount of ethanol that must be blended into it continues to go up. This year the EPA has proposed to mandate 18.8 billion gallons of ethanol be used, making it even more likely you will see E15 (15% ethanol, prohibited to use in marine engines!) at the fuel pump and making it harder to find E0 (ethanol free) fuel if that is your preference.

We need your help! Click here to send a message to EPA, asking them to reduce the mandate for more and more ethanol. And click here to ask your member of Congress to co-sponsor legislation to reform the RFS law that is limiting our fuel options.

To learn more about the RFS and how BoatUS is working for boaters, visit BoatUS.com/Gov.

Have fun on the water this week!
Margaret

BoatU.S. Action Alert - Comment Now on EPA Ethanol Mandate

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is asking for comments on a proposal to increase the amount of ethanol that must be blended into the nation’s fuel supply for 2015 and 2016.  

If adopted, these proposed levels will require the use of a record amount of ethanol, forcing higher-level fuel blends (including E15 or 15% ethanol) into more gas stations.

Remember that most marine engines are built to only work with up to 10% ethanol and it is prohibited to use gas containing more than 10% ethanol in all marine engines.

Please take a moment to send a message NOW urging the EPA to lower the ethanol mandates to ensure an adequate supply of fuel that will work in your boat.

Background:

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is the 2005 law that requires the blending of biofuels such as corn-ethanol into our gasoline. When written, it was assumed that America’s use of gasoline would continue to rise and therefore mandated escalating amounts of biofuels to be blended with our fuel. Since 2005, U.S. gasoline usage has actually dropped steadily and now the law forces more ethanol into fewer gallons of gasoline.

To keep up with this mandate, in 2010 the EPA permitted E15 (fuel containing up to 15% ethanol) into the marketplace, for some engines. E15 is prohibited from being used in marine engines, snowmobiles, motorcycles, small engines like lawnmowers and leaf blowers, as well as any vehicle made before 2001. In multiple studies, E15 has been proven to damage boat engines.

E15 and higher ethanol blends fuel can now be found in 24 states, often at the very same pumps as E10 gasoline. The only warning you may have is one sticker mixed in with all the other warning labels on the pump. This creates a huge potential for mis-fueling and puts boaters at risk of using fuel that will damage their engines. CLICK HERE for more information on E15 and the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Thanks for taking action to let EPA hear how you care about the ethanol level in the fuel you buy for your boat engine. Help us out and please FORWARD TO A FRIEND.

Sincerely,

Margaret B. Podlich

President, BoatU.S.

703-461-2878 x8363

www.BoatUS.com/gov