Proposal To Weaken Or Eliminate Fuel Pump Labeling For E15 Draws Broad Opposition

The American Petroleum Institute (API), American Fuel and Petrochemical Manufacturers (AFPM), Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), BoatUS and American Motorcyclists Association (AMA) today released the following statement in response to the Trump administration's proposal to weaken or eliminate labeling requirements for E15 gasoline.

"EPA's top priority should be making sure consumers have the clearest information at the pump. This proposal doesn't just fall short, it would make it harder for consumers to distinguish the difference between E15 and E10 fuel. We are deeply concerned about the administration's reckless proposal to deprive consumers of basic information concerning their engine's compatibility with fuels they purchase.

"There are millions of cars and small engines in use today that cannot run on E15 fuel. Weakening or eliminating the E15 label could come at the expense of drivers, boaters, motorcyclists and outdoor power equipment owners who depend on the availability of this information to prevent misfuelling and the potentially catastrophic engine and fuel system damage it can cause. We will vigorously challenge this misguided proposal to weaken or eliminate the E15 label."

API represents all segments of America's natural gas and oil industry, which supports more than ten million U.S. jobs and is backed by a growing grassroots movement of millions of Americans. Our 600 members produce, process and distribute the majority of the nation's energy, and participate in API Energy Excellence, which is accelerating environmental and safety progress by fostering new technologies and transparent reporting. API was formed in 1919 as a standards-setting organization and has developed more than 700 standards to enhance operational and environmental safety, efficiency and sustainability.

The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers ("AFPM") is a national trade association whose members comprise virtually all U.S. refining and petrochemical manufacturing capacity.

Celebrating more than 50 years, BoatUS is the nation's largest organization of recreational boaters with more than 700,000 members. We are the boat owners' voice on Capitol Hill and fight for their rights. We are The Boat Owners Auto Club and help ensure a roadside trailer breakdown doesn't end a boating or fishing trip before it begins. When boats break down on the water, TowBoatUS brings them safely back to the launch ramp or dock, 24/7. BoatUS offers GEICO Marine Insurance policies that give boat owners affordable, specialized coverage and superior service they need. We help keep boaters safe and our waters clean with assistance from the nonprofit BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean Water. Visit BoatUS.com

OPEI is an international trade association representing manufacturers and suppliers of power equipment, small engines, battery power systems, portable generators, utility and personal transport vehicles, and golf cars. OPEI is the advocacy voice of the industry, and a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Organization for Standardization (ISO), and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the development of safety and performance standards. OPEI is managing partner of GIE+EXPO, the green industry and equipment exposition, and administers the TurfMutt Foundation, which directs the environmental education program, TurfMutt. OPEI-Canada represents members on a host of issues, including recycling, emissions and other regulatory developments across the Canadian provinces.

About NMMA:
NMMA is the leading trade organization for the North American recreational boating industry. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, marine accessories and gear used by millions of boaters in North America. The association serves its members and their sales and service networks by improving the business environment for recreational boating including providing domestic and international sales and marketing opportunities, reducing unnecessary government regulation, decreasing the cost of doing business, and helping grow boating participation. As the largest producer of boat and sport shows in the U.S., NMMA connects the recreational boating industry with the boating consumer year-round. For more information, visit www.nmma.org.