Thread: E15 decision by EPA

Just got this email from fuel testers. Might be posted eslewhere but tho't I'd post it just in case. Pretty interesting about not leaving gasoline w/ ethanol in your tank EVEN if it's 95% full.

Thanks to all who submitted the petition on our website to oppose the EPA increasing allowable content of ethanol in gasoline to 15%.
The decision deadline was December 1st, 2009;
Instead, the EPA issued a statement that they need more time to test E15 in vehicles.

Read EPA statement: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/a...gy11-30-09.pdf
The E15 waiver decision is expected in mid-June 2010. Summary of EPA Statement:

The EPA reviewed test data on 2 vehicles and plans to check an additional 12 vehicles by the end of May 2010. The EPA stated newer vehicles (2001 and newer) MAY be able to accommodate higher ethanol blends, but expressed concern about component (parts) durability over the long term. An ongoing study of 19 newer vehicles is being performed by the DOE.

The EPA expressed concern regarding the need for E15 pump labeling “to ensure consumers utilize the proper gasoline for their vehicles and equipment, such as lawn mowers, boats…”

Based on this statement and lack of testing on a broader range of vehicle types/years, it appears the EPA does not intend to replace E10 with E15, but rather E15 would be another fuel choice.
More:
We hope the EPA steps-up their efforts to “Crack Down on Ethanol Cheats”…
An excess of 500 million gallons of ethanol could not be accounted for based on the volume of E10 and E85 sold over a 5 month period. The EPA spokesperson acknowledged the illegal over-blending stating, “We are pursuing a number of cases”.

Read Kiplinger report here:

EPA to Crack Down on Ethanol Cheats - Kiplinger.com
- Most manufacturers no longer advise of leaving tank 95% full for winter storage (when gas contains water-absorbing ethanol). E.G. Mercury Marine

It’s always best to test gas - chose ethanol-free - when gas is stored over 1 month. Leaving the tank empty is the only completely safe method to avoid E10 storage issues. Gas with ethanol alcohol can absorb 50 times more water.
Gas additives can not remove water from a sedentary tank. Phase separated E10 gas will experience a 2 to 4 point drop in octane. A fuel tester can be used to monitor water absorption in a stored tank of e10 gas.

I put mine away with a half tank of stabilized fuel,...hope it has not hurt anything by doing that. I use a good grade of Marathon gas and have yet
to have a fuel related problem using that brand. But I am glad the EPA wants to do further testing on E15 blended fuels before they allow it to be manufacturered for use in other equipment other than our cars and trucks.