In this section

NMMA hosts press conference with Reps. Austin Scott and Lois Frankel on new E15 legislation

| General Government Relations

Yesterday, NMMA hosted a press briefing with Congressman Austin Scott (R-GA) and Congresswoman Lois Frankel (D-FL) regarding their new legislation, the Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2018 (H.R. 5855). The new bill would enhance current safeguards to better protect consumers from misfueling with E15, which is prohibited for use in boats, lawnmowers, chainsaws, motorcycles, and snowmobiles. E15 and consumer education were a hot topic during the American Boating Congress.
The media event was held on the waterfront in DC at the Washington Marina Company. Reps. Scott and Frankel each gave remarks about the importance of their new bi-partisan bill, why it matters to consumers and boaters, and took questions from the audience.
NMMA was joined by industry partners at the event, including: BoatU.S., the Marine Retailers Association of the Americas, and the American Sportfishing Association. 
Last week, NMMA reported on the introduction of the new legislation. The NMMA government affairs team looks forward to continuing to work with Reps. Scott and Frankel to solicit additional support for their bill and get it incorporated as Congress looks to reform the broken Renewable Fuel Standard. 
NMMA will also continue to work to promote a safe E15 alternative, biobutanol, as well as continue to fight back against efforts to expand the sale of E15. However, as long as E15 is on the market, more consumer safeguards are needed and the Scott-Frankel legislation helps tremendously in this regard. 
Background:
The Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2018 addresses the challenge posed by E15 head on and will direct the Administrator of the EPA to:
  • Revise the labeling requirements for fuel pumps that dispense E15; 
  • Solicit input and requirements for these revised labels from industries that manufacture vehicles, engines, and equipment prohibited from using E15, including boats, lawnmowers, chainsaws, motorcycles, and snowmobiles; 
  • Include the word “WARNING” on the labels, which shall be no smaller than 5x7 inches;
  • Include pictograms on the labels that depict specific products that are prohibited from using E15 including a boat, lawnmower, chainsaw, motorcycle, and snowmobile;
  • Include other indicators on the labels developed by the Administrator in consultation with the American National Standards Institute;
  • Focus group test these labels to ensure their effectiveness;
  • Develop and commence a public education campaign, in consultation with the affected industries, that provides adequate awareness of the risks associated with E15 and the vehicles, engines, and equipment prohibited from using E15;
  • Include outreach to consumers at the point of sale, prior to dispensing, in the public education campaign;
  • Submit a report to Congress no later than one year after the date of enactment of this Act, regarding public education efforts and including data and metrics on consumer awareness of appropriate uses of E15.
According to a Harris Poll commissioned by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (2017): 
  • 63 percent of consumers assume any gas sold at a retail gas station must be safe for their product.
  • 95 percent of boats are fueled at retail gas stations. Boat owners depend on safe, reliable and proven fuel choices to be universally available.
  • Misfuelling of engines voids warranties, leaving consumers with expensive repair and replacement bills.
  • Only seven percent of consumers know that E15 is prohibited in all engines except late model automobiles.
For more information, please contact NMMA Senior Vice President of Government and Legal Affairs, Nicole Vasilaros at [email protected] or NMMA Director of Federal Affairs, Mike Pasko at [email protected].