Beware of misfuelling dangers

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), which is the leading trade association in the USA representing boat, marine engine, and accessory manufacturers, is advocating for better consumer protection as the the boating season begins. Here’s their report:

In May 2022, Representative Lois Frankel (D-FL-21) and Representative Austin Scott (R-GA-08), members of the Congressional Boating Caucus and strong advocates for the recreational boating industry, reintroduced bipartisan legislation to more clearly define and label fuel blended with more than 15 percent ethanol (E15) at pumps to protect consumers from misfuelling.

The Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act addresses a crucial policy priority for the recreational boating industry and would better protect engines negatively affected by E15- such as those in recreational boats – by clearly labeling E15 at the pump and warning consumers about the harmful impacts of misfuelling.

E15 expansion in the marketplace has led to widespread misfuelling resulting in compromised emissions controls, increased safety concerns and financial burdens to consumers. E15 destroys engines in a wide range of commonly used consumer products, including recreational boats, yet most Americans are unaware that E15 poses a threat to their engines.

“With EPA once again expanding the availability of E15 during peak boating season, it is long past time for Congress to take action and protect consumers from the dangers of misfuelling,” said Callie Hoyt, director of federal government relations at the NMMA.

“The destructive properties of E15 when used in boats, lawnmowers, generators, and other small engines remain the same, yet the majority of Americans are unaware, at no fault of their own. Thankfully, Representatives Scott and Frankel have spearheaded important legislation to clear up the misinformation around E15 and protect millions of American consumers at the pump.”

Industry stakeholders are invited to take action on the industry’s grassroots platform, Boating United, and urge their members of Congress to support the bipartisan Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act to improve misfuelling mitigation requirements at the pump.

Take action here: https://www.boatingunited.org/take-action/e15_fuel-transparency/