U.S. Rep. Jim Sensenbrenner, R-Wis., recently introduced H.R. 3199, legislation that would require the Environmental Protection Agency to seek independent scientific analysis on the effects of 15 percent blend ethanol gasoline on vehicles and engines.
The bill would require the analysis to include an evaluation of short- and long-term environmental safety and performance effects on on-road and non-road engines.
"The EPA's decision to allow E15 into the marketplace will impact every American who owns a car, lawnmower or boat. Automakers insist that using E15 will void warranties, lower fuel efficiency and cause premature engine failure. In off-road engines, the effects can even be dangerous for users," he said in a statement.
"There are serious concerns that the EPA used only one Department of Energy test and rushed E15's introduction into the marketplace," Sensenbrenner added. "This test was limited in scope and ignored a plethora of evidence - albeit inconvenient evidence for the EPA - that shows E15 gasoline has a negative effect on engines. I introduced this legislation to ensure a decision of this magnitude will be vetted by independent scientific research, rather than political expediency."
Sensenbrenner is vice chairman of the House Committee on Science.
"[The National Marine Manufacturers Association] is supportive of these suggested measures and will be continuing to follow this proposed legislation to determine an appropriate course of action as the bill moves forward," the group said in a report.
