South Carolina Motorcycle Rights Association

For Immediate Release

March 16, 2021

The MRF pushes back on EPA about Current Ethanol Labeling Requirements

This week the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) joined other national groups in pushing back on proposed rule changes to current ethanol labeling requirements. Representatives of manufacturers, suppliers, and consumers of boats, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, and outdoor power equipment made clear that elimination or changes to current E-15 labels at fuel pumps would cause irreparable harm to millions of consumers.

In a letter to the new head of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Administrator Michael Regan, the group stated that, “The misfuelling of marine engines and vessels, motorcycles, off-road vehicles, and outdoor power equipment places significant burdens on both the American consumer and product manufacturers. The risk to consumers is that they will experience product damage, compromised performance and emissions requirements, economic loss, and fuel leaks resulting in unsafe products.”

As a reminder, in January the EPA proposed elimination of the current E15 label altogether or the significant changes listed below:

• Removing the “Attention” stripe along the upper right corner of the label.
• Removing the phrase “E15” from the label, while including the language “contains up to 15% percent ethanol”.
• Revising the language “Use only in” to “Safe for use in”.
• Revising the language “Don’t use in” to “Avoid use in”.
• Revising the format of the word “prohibited” such that it is not in bold and italicized type.

The MRF has long advocated consumer education to combat the increased prevalence of E15 nationwide. The letter to EPA points out that a recent survey shows, “Three in five consumers mistakenly assume E15 is safe for all their products.” Additionally, consumers should be aware that many manufacturer warranties are voided if improper fuel is used.

The MRF thanks the diverse set of partners that have worked together on this issue. Other signatories of the letter include the American Motorcyclist Association, American Sportfishing Association, Boat Owners Association of the United States, Briggs & Stratton, Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, Motorcycle Industry Council, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, Special Vehicle Institute of America and the Truck and Engine Manufacturers Association.

MRF President, Kirk “Hardtail” Willard said, “Whether it be the boat guys, the chainsaw guys or the flying cars guys, the MRF will work with almost anyone when our interests are aligned.”

To read the full letter to EPA click here.