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The National Marine Manufacturers Association is buzzing about new
legislation that could affect your outboard motor.
In the upcoming weeks, the Environmental Protection Agency will make an
important decision on whether to allow ethanol to comprise up to 15%
(E15) of gasoline sold in the United States from the current level of
10% (E10).
The National Marine Manufacturers Association its allies have long
encouraged EPA to thoroughly and comprehensively test recreational
marine engines, fuel systems and components to demonstrate that higher
ethanol blends will not defeat marine engine air emissions devices or
pose safety risks before approving E15. The first marine tests are
underway now and will not be completed before EPA makes its decision.
As many boaters and anglers already know, there are serious and
well-documented safety, environmental, and technology concerns
associated with ethanol blends over 10 percent in boat fuel tanks and
engines. For marine and other small gasoline-powered engines that are
designed to run on not more than E10, higher concentrations of ethanol
in fuel pose serious problems, including performance issues; increased
water absorption and phase separation (when water separates from the
gasoline while in the tank); fuel tank corrosion and oil/fuel leaks;
increased emissions of smog-forming pollutants; and damage to valves,
push rods, rubber fuel lines and gaskets. Even with E10, many boaters
are seeking out ethanol-free gas at marinas, but at a premium of $.75 to
$1.50 more per gallon.
“Concerned boaters are urged to visit
www.FollowTheScience.org
for more background on the present scenario.
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