American Motorcyclist Association objects to EPA increase in federal ethanol mandates
The 2019 renewable volume obligations announced by the EPA call for 19.92 billion gallons of ethanol to be blended into the nation’s vehicle fuel supply in 2019, up from the 19.88 billion gallons proposed in June. The agency required 19.29 billion gallons of ethanol in American fuel during 2018.
“By forcing more ethanol into our fuel supply, year after year, the EPA is increasing the risk for motorcycle owners, all-terrain vehicle riders and others whose vehicles are not equipped to use fuels containing more than 10 percent ethanol,” said Wayne Allard, AMA vice president of government relations.
None of the estimated 22 million motorcycles and ATVs currently in use are approved by the EPA to use fuels containing more than 10 percent ethanol by volume.
Studies show that most consumers shop for fuel by price, rather than ethanol content. And blends container larger amounts of ethanol by volume typically cost less at the pump than E0 or E10.
It is illegal to use fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol in motorcycles and ATVs, and ethanol can damage fuel systems and engine components and may void a manufacturer’s warranty.
The AMA recommends using the fuel specified in the vehicle owner’s manual and urges riders to be extra cautious when selecting fuel at the pump.
The AMA also supports the passage of legislation to reform the federal Renewable Fuel Standard to better reflect the needs of motorcyclists and to protect their access to safe fuel.