Browsing: E15

Cruising Life
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New Problem with E15: Finding the Warning Labels at the Pump

It’s not news that E15 is a problem for marine gas engines. In fact, it voids many marine engine warranties, the federal government prohibits its use in recreational boat engines, and the Environmental Protection Agency prohibits it for sale in many states during the summer months because it contributes to smog. But now it turns out that finding an E15 warning label on a gas pump can be an even bigger problem. (Question: Can you see the E15 warning label on this pump near Cedar Lake, Indiana, in the photo above? It took us a while, too. For the answer,…

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Boating Industry Upset About Trump’s New Plans for High-Octane Ethanol

The fight over high-ethanol fuel is heading up, with the boating industry warning that President Trump’s plans to let E15 be sold year-round could damage the engines of millions of boat owners. “President Trump’s pledge to allow the year-round sale of E15 will needlessly put consumers in danger,” Thom Dammrich, president of the National Marine Manufacturers Association, said last week. The immediate problem started the previous day when President Trump told Iowa farmers that his Administration is “getting very close” to approving a waiver to allow E15, a fuel blend including 15 percent ethanol, to be sold year round. Currently,…

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EPA Approves Bio-Isobutanol Fuel Additive; Wins Praise from NMMA

The Environmental Protection Agency just approved boater-friendly bio-isobutanol as a safe fuel additive, winning praise from the National Marine Manufacturers Association. Thom Dammrich, president of the NMMA, said bio-isobutanol “will provide consumers a safe, efficient and environmentally-friendly E15 alternative that is highly compatible with marine products. This decision will promote an innovative fuel supply with direct benefits to American boaters and consumers.” Unlike E15, or ethanol-laced gasoline which can damage engines in boats and cars, biobutanol delivers renewable energy without any side effects. It works with existing boat and car engines and the fuel supply infrastructure. The EPA acted on…