Much more work needs to be done to evaluate whether mid-level ethanol blends such as E20 are compatible with conventional vehicles and products, according to the manufacturers group AllSAFE. The group, which represents manufacturers of outdoor power equipment, marine manufacturers, small engine manufacturers as well as motorcycle and automobile manufacturers, is responding to a feasibility study on 20 Percent Ethanol released March 5 by the State of Minnesota and the Renewable Fuels Association.

AllSAFE representative Kris Kiser stated, “We agree with the authors that additional testing is needed. It is much too early to draw definitive conclusions about E20’s compatibility with products or vehicles not designed for use with this fuel, considering that other studies have shown it may harm catalysts, increase emissions, and cause premature product/vehicle failure.”

Mid-level ethanol blends are very different from the general purpose gasoline used in these products at present. Today, the U.S. market includes an estimated 240 million conventional vehicles and 100 million small engine products potentially affected by these blends. Only flexible fueled vehicles (FFVs) are designed, certified and warranted for use with ethanol blends greater than the current maximum of 10% ethanol.

Kiser added, “This study falls far short of what is needed to answer important technical questions or determine national fuel policy. Vehicles must undergo very comprehensive testing, and small engines such as lawn and garden equipment, motorboats and many other products must also be thoroughly studied. Emissions data, including exhaust, evaporative and permeation effects, are particularly important, as well as safety, product performance and consumer satisfaction.

“The bottom line is that until a full set of well-designed and implemented studies are completed on both vehicle and small engine products, the research on E20 and other mid-level ethanol blends will remain incomplete,” said Kiser. Last December, AllSAFE urged Congress to have EPA and DOE further examine the effects of mid-level ethanol. In a letter to Senators, the coalition stated, “Currently, there is little available data on the emissions, air quality, public health or safety impacts of mid-level ethanol. To ensure that the approval of such fuels does not cause unintended harm to air quality or risk the safety of consumers, EPA and DOE should transparently and comprehensively examine all of the potential impacts and risks of mid-level ethanol fuel blends, as Congress has now directed them to do. To be sure, the solution to these public policy concerns is not to ban or undermine the increased use of ethanol fuels. In fact, all the stakeholders (including the associations below) want to avoid consumer rejection of all ethanol blends (including E85) that could occur if mid-level ethanol blends damage consumers, their products, or their environment.”

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