Boating Industry Intelligence You Can Profit From
ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Boat Owners Association of The United States and the National Marine Manufacturers Association are urging boaters to speak out on a waiver petition that would allow ethanol gasoline blends of up to 15 percent (E15). The federal comment period for the waiver, which was extended for 60 days in May, ends July 20.
BoatU.S. and the NMMA sent a release this week reminding boaters about the deadline and encouraging comment on the issue.
“This is not about growing renewable energy,” Margaret Podlich, BoatU.S. vice president of government affairs, said in the release. “This is really about a group of investors attempting to profit at the expense of 13 million recreational boat owners. We had significant problems with the nationwide roll-out of E10 a few years ago, and without further independent testing of E15 with marine engines we are very likely to see similar issues.”
In March, pro-ethanol group Growth Energy and 54 ethanol producers petitioned the EPA to allow an increase in the amount of ethanol in gasoline from 10 percent (E10) to 15 percent (E15).
BoatU.S. and the NMMA are concerned the use of E15 in marine engines could void engine warranties and damage motors and fuel systems.
For more information or to comment, go to BoatUS.com/gov or capwiz.com/nmma/home. For Growth Energy’s perspective on the matter, click here.
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