CEO DATELINE - Ethanol, motorcycle groups duke it out over federal mandate
CEO DATELINE - Ethanol, motorcycle groups duke it out over federal mandate
- August 21, 2015 |
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Walt Williams
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Two associations representing motorcycle enthusiasts and ethanol producers are involved in the equivalent of a biker brawl centered on legislation that would halt the expansion of ethanol-blended fuels.
The war of words started Aug. 17 when the American Motorcycle Association sent a letter to members urging them get behind a bill in Congress that would halt the sale of E15 fuel, which contains up to 15 percent ethanol by volume.
AMA contends E15 can damage motorcycle and all-terrain-vehicle engines. The group also said using fuels with blends higher than 10 percent can void a manufacturer's warranty.
Passing the bill "will help protect the estimated 22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles currently in use on America's roads and trails that are not approved to use E15, and the riders who depend on safe fuel for their operation," AMA said.
The Renewable Fuels Association—which represents ethanol producers—shot back Aug. 19, accusing AMA of engaging in scare tactics.
"E15 has been on the market for three years and no motorcycle has misfueled using the higher ethanol blend or has been denied a warranty claim," Robert White, RFA's vice president of industry relations, said. "Plus, the AMA ignores the fact that the Environmental Protection Agency requires that the fuel dispenser label clearly identify what vehicles can and cannot use E15. Does the AMA believe that motorcyclists can't read?"
White added that AMA has "gone to great lengths" to confuse consumers about the Renewable Fuel Standard, the law that requires ethanol to be blended with gasoline.
"The RFS was meant to increase the amount of renewable fuels that are mixed in our gasoline supply each year, but that has not happened at the pace required by law because oil companies have steadfastly refused to give up any more market share," he said.
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