Automotive News
January 20, 2011 - 6:46 pm EST
UPDATED: 1/21/11 12:42 pm EST
WASHINGTON – Gasoline can be sold with as much as 15 percent ethanol – up from the current 10 percent limit - in vehicles made between 2001 and 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said today.
The Obama administration's announcement dealt another defeat on ethanol concentration to automakers, who said they would probably contest the decision in court.
Last October, the EPA approved use of so-called E-15 gasoline for cars, SUVs and light pickup trucks made during the 2007 model year and later.
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said today that use of E-15 gasoline would “allow more home-grown fuels in America's vehicles” without harm to emissions control equipment in cars and light trucks made since 2001.
Jackson said there had been “thorough testing” of the fuel by the U.S. Department of Energy.
EPA also said it will ensure that E-15 gasoline is properly labeled at the gas pump to prevent it from being pumped into vehicles that might be harmed.
An international automaker group said the government hasn't done enough testing to ensure that vehicles fueled with E-15 gasoline would be safe.
“All the data is not in to prove that E-15 won't have a negative effect on any vehicles,” said Mike Stanton, president of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers.
Automakers seek court relief
He also expressed concern that, even with labels at the gas pump, consumers might accidentally fuel cars that haven't been approved for E-15 fuel.
Last month, U.S. carmakers and engine manufacturers asked a federal appeals court to require the EPA to reconsider its earlier ethanol decision on cars made since 2007.
Stanton said the lawsuit would probably be expanded to include vehicles covered by today's EPA decision.
There are more than 150 million vehicles made since 2001 on U.S. roads, and they account for 74 percent of vehicle gasoline consumption, EPA spokesman Cathy Milbourn said in an interview.
By 2014, there will likely be 187 million cars and light trucks made since 2001, and they will account for 85 percent of gasoline consumption, she said.
The decision today was hailed by a group of ethanol makers called Growth Energy.
“Increased use of ethanol will strengthen our energy security, create U.S. jobs and improve the environment,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy.
The EPA did not grant approval today for E-15 gasoline use in motorcycles, heavy-duty vehicles or non-road engines because testing has not yet determined it is safe, the agency said in a statement.
Service station owners worry that putting higher ethanol blends in older cars could lead to lawsuits if the fuel damages their engines.
January 20, 2011 - 6:46 pm EST
UPDATED: 1/21/11 12:42 pm EST
WASHINGTON – Gasoline can be sold with as much as 15 percent ethanol – up from the current 10 percent limit - in vehicles made between 2001 and 2006, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said today.
The Obama administration's announcement dealt another defeat on ethanol concentration to automakers, who said they would probably contest the decision in court.
Last October, the EPA approved use of so-called E-15 gasoline for cars, SUVs and light pickup trucks made during the 2007 model year and later.
EPA Administrator Lisa Jackson said today that use of E-15 gasoline would “allow more home-grown fuels in America's vehicles” without harm to emissions control equipment in cars and light trucks made since 2001.
Jackson said there had been “thorough testing” of the fuel by the U.S. Department of Energy.
EPA also said it will ensure that E-15 gasoline is properly labeled at the gas pump to prevent it from being pumped into vehicles that might be harmed.
An international automaker group said the government hasn't done enough testing to ensure that vehicles fueled with E-15 gasoline would be safe.
“All the data is not in to prove that E-15 won't have a negative effect on any vehicles,” said Mike Stanton, president of the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers.
Automakers seek court relief
He also expressed concern that, even with labels at the gas pump, consumers might accidentally fuel cars that haven't been approved for E-15 fuel.
Last month, U.S. carmakers and engine manufacturers asked a federal appeals court to require the EPA to reconsider its earlier ethanol decision on cars made since 2007.
Stanton said the lawsuit would probably be expanded to include vehicles covered by today's EPA decision.
There are more than 150 million vehicles made since 2001 on U.S. roads, and they account for 74 percent of vehicle gasoline consumption, EPA spokesman Cathy Milbourn said in an interview.
By 2014, there will likely be 187 million cars and light trucks made since 2001, and they will account for 85 percent of gasoline consumption, she said.
The decision today was hailed by a group of ethanol makers called Growth Energy.
“Increased use of ethanol will strengthen our energy security, create U.S. jobs and improve the environment,” said Tom Buis, CEO of Growth Energy.
The EPA did not grant approval today for E-15 gasoline use in motorcycles, heavy-duty vehicles or non-road engines because testing has not yet determined it is safe, the agency said in a statement.
Service station owners worry that putting higher ethanol blends in older cars could lead to lawsuits if the fuel damages their engines.
i thought i heard that thursday on the radio, this confims it.seems the powers that be dont care about us!!! 2 strokes are not going to like this S$@T!!! goodbye crank, rod bearings!!! everyone should be contacting their congressman on this foolish decision
I had also heard that Idaho passed a bill that say Non-Ethanol fuel is not allowed to be sold at the pumps. I have not been able to confirm this yet.
Once again, over reaching government control, not by representation, but by regulation. Destruction of America, death by a 1000 cuts.
WHAT??? Are you telling me the Government is not here to help?
One of these days I'll tell you about the "carbon footprint" that producing ALCOHOL for motor fuel leaves on the earth .... You'd be SURPRISED AS HECK that the govt' knows all about this BUT, in the interest of MAKING MONEY for ILLINOIS and INDIANA ( REPUBLICAN) corn farmers,, the DETRIMENTAL EFFECTS are overlooked!!!
bluemonster1
LIFE MEMBER ONLY ONCE!!!
I'll say a prayer for you guys..looks like they (gov) have it out for the 2 strokes.This is 1 way to eliminate them off the planet for cleaner air I guess.Everyone start saving up for a 4 stroke if you want to keep sledddin...do I smell a conspiracy here..I sort of knew this was coming.Guess Yamaha knew this ahead of time...The other brands better watch out then,2 strokes have to go.Yamaha is ahead of the game in 4 strokes then..masterplan accomplished....
PS:don't worry about it to much..come Dec 21/2012 it will be all over...lol
PS:don't worry about it to much..come Dec 21/2012 it will be all over...lol
nosboy said:
Yeah, corporate welfare... that's it.
Hopey changey, cap and trade, skittles and unicorns...
Move along folks, nothing to see here...
i have a 07 apex gt, was already for these dictators! you can read them by their deeds way ahead of time!and by banning offshore drilling ( thanks to the phoney in chief)they are pushing electric, can you say G.E? which nobama is in with! now moderators might say something about this political view but be forwarned people if you like snowmobiling we need to unite and speak out about this before it is too late and i dont care what party you are, our rights are being stolen by a swift stroke of the pen! ok im done ranting the obvious! 
no1chevyboy
New member
hey nosboy boy!, id like to hear what the dems are hiding from us, with the carbon foot print sham! being that there the ones (far left green zombes) pushing ethonal on us.
BARON 8BU
New member
Oh wow! Next Nosboy will tell us the republicans are pro Yama-lube.nosboy said:
sleddineinar
VIP Member
I'm lookin' forward to my new electric slo-mobile... it goes only 12 miles an hour so one will hurt themselves.
horkn
New member
Watch the political stuff guys.... I'd be shocked if this thread isn't shorter very soon.
That said, e15 probably won't do any 2 stroke motor any good. Having run e10 for a LONG time in 2 strokes, that really is not an issue, but that extra 5% probably will.
Regardless, just because the EPA approved it, does not mean that you have to buy E15, and can't get e 10 ( or non ethanol) anymore.
If you read the statement on the OP, only the most recent models of cars ( like 07+) are OK to use e15 in, so it's not like e15 will instantly be all that is available.
I have a feeling that the automakers (and other power equipment companies, supporters, lobbysist) will make certain that people don't get left high and dry with how many millions of non e15 capable cars , bikes, sleds, weedwackers, generators, boats etc that are out there.
That said, e15 probably won't do any 2 stroke motor any good. Having run e10 for a LONG time in 2 strokes, that really is not an issue, but that extra 5% probably will.
Regardless, just because the EPA approved it, does not mean that you have to buy E15, and can't get e 10 ( or non ethanol) anymore.
If you read the statement on the OP, only the most recent models of cars ( like 07+) are OK to use e15 in, so it's not like e15 will instantly be all that is available.
I have a feeling that the automakers (and other power equipment companies, supporters, lobbysist) will make certain that people don't get left high and dry with how many millions of non e15 capable cars , bikes, sleds, weedwackers, generators, boats etc that are out there.
horkn said:
madzx2
Member
horkn said:
x2 just dont use it in a 2 stroke.
It wasn't meant as a political statement.. The Illinois Corn farmers are PROFESSED REPUBLICANS and the WHOLE city of Chicago is Democratic.. Look how the State votes compared to the city. ( I know a "little" about "chicago politics" ). The CORN and SOYBEAN farmers are PAID TO GROW certain crops to either SWAY the prices or SWAY the availability of certain crops that " benefit" the Govt' and NOT NECESARILY the people of the State.. Illinois is the WORST at these games... You need to have a little background of "downstate" crop farmers to get what I am talking about... If you KNOW any downstate Illinois crop farmers,, ASK THEM the games that the STATE play in conjunction with the Feds.. You'D be AMAZED!!!!no1chevyboy said:
Then I'll tell you the story of the "carbon Footprints"
madzx2 said:
If only it were that easy.
If you ride in Michigan you have no choice.
madzx2
Member
snomofo said:
have you been running e15 in your sled?
madzx2 said:
Dunno, maybe.
No way of knowing except to test at every fill-up.