An earlier post concerning E-15 ethanol fuel outlined that the EPA had not approved the blended gas for use in Snowmobiles. This followed concerns by the International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association requesting proper scientific testing of E-15 before being introduced into the marketplace.
The National Motorists Association recently announced that the EPA is requesting comments on the proposal to drop the amount of ethanol produced in the U.S. in 2014.
The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering altering the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) to lower the amount of ethanol produced in 2014. The proposed drop in ethanol production is a result of policymakers acknowledging that the biofuel law, RFS, is not working as well as expected. The proposal would require almost three billion gallons less be sold at market in 2014.
Demand for the higher blends of ethanol, such as E15, a blend of 15 percent ethanol to 85 percent traditional fuel, has been lower than expected. This shrinking of the marketplace has the EPA rethinking the future of biofuels.
Higher ethanol blends have been known to cause engine damage, which, in some cases may not be covered by the manufacturer’s warranty.
Remember that E-15 has not been approved for use in snowmobiles.
It should be noted that E-85 fuel has been available in the marketplace for many years. E-85 is a blend of fuel which is designed to be used in flex-fuel equipped cars and trucks only. E-85 is 85% ethanol.
It should NOT be confused with E-15 which is 15% ethanol. E-10 fuel is 10% ethanol and has been available and used throughout the United States for years and is approved for snowmobile use.
Photo by Dan Gould
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