ISMA Wants More Testing on E-15 Fuel

The International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA) is in support of Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner’s bill (H.R. 3199) to require proper testing of E-15 fuel before introduction into the marketplace.

The ISMA joins a growing coalition looking for additional E-15 testing, including the Motorcycle Industry Council, Recreational Off-Highway Vehicle Association, Association of Global Automakers, National Marine Manufacturers Association, and Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.

Attached is a copy of the letter the Coalition members sent to members of the US Congress.

“This important piece of legislation would require the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) to conduct necessary scientific and technical analysis on the implications of introducing mid-level ethanol blends into the marketplace before EPA moves forward with registering such fuels,” says a letter sent to members of the US Congress by coalition members.

“Several objective studies indicate that significantly more research and testing needs to be completed before gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol, known as “E15,” or other mid-level ethanol blends can be introduced into commerce. H.R. 3199 will require the NAS and EPA to conduct a necessary comprehensive assessment of the testing that has been conducted and still needs to be done of on-road, off-road, and marine engines, vehicles and related equipment prior to the implementation of any waiver for mid-level ethanol blends. This bill takes a critical step towards ensuring that any mid-level ethanol blends are introduced into commerce in a manner that protects consumers and the environment.

“While our organizations have divergent priorities, consumer protection is a common high priority and we are united in opposition to the premature introduction of E15. Simply stated, this bill will halt EPA’s rush to introduce mid-level ethanol blends and ensure such fuel blends receive the proper scientific analysis before being put into the marketplace.”