New EPA Mandated Ethanol Fuel Harms Vehicles

The EPA’s latest biofuel initiative may cause substantial damage to vehicles, but why let the effects of bad policy get in the way of  implementing unnecessary, burdensome policy? 

The EPA recently approved E15, a gasoline blend containing up to fifteen percent ethanol.  According to AAA, less than five percent of cars on the road are approved by automakers to use E15. The AAA surveyed motorists and found that ninety-five percent hadn’t heard of the new fuel. 

Not only are consumers unaware of E15, but research indicates the newly approved biofuel may have damaging longterm affects on unapproved vehicles. According to AAA automotive engineering experts:

AAA automotive engineering experts also have reviewed the available research and believe that sustained use of E15 in both newer and older vehicles could result in significant problems such as accelerated engine wear and failure, fuel-system damage and false “check engine” lights for any vehicle not approved by its manufacturer to use E15.

Per their official statement, “AAA is urging regulators and the industry to stop the sale of E15 until motorists are better protected,” as they should.

The EPA’s explanation is hardly satisfactory. In typical bureaucratic fashion, their statement provides a litany of links, all equally as vague as the statement iself. The gist of which is, “there’s a new fuel, we granted some partial waivers, and it’s lawful for certain manufacturers to sell E15,” that’s my paraphrasing of course.  There is no direct mention of how E15 may harm vehicles.

This news follows the story that the EPA’s biofuel mandate that will drive up the price of goods, adversely affecting the consumer.  So not only is the biofuel mandate affecting consumers, rural communities and state economies, but now it will likely harm ninety-five percent of vehicles on the road. Nice work, EPA, nice work.