Article

Yesterday, President Trump announced that his administration is moving to allow year-round sale of 15 percent ethanol blended fuel, or E15. NMMA and their coalition partners worked to prevent this action and are evaluating options to thwart the E15 sale expansion.

In response, NMMA’s President, Thom Dammrich, stated, “President Trump’s decision to proceed with year-round E15 sales places bad policy on top of bad policy. In addition to being legally dubious, this action will put millions of American consumers at a greater risk of misfuelling, so a small, politically important group can benefit.” 

Dammrich continued, “In the short-term, we are most concerned about consumers. Sixty-five percent of people assume that any gas sold at the pump is safe for all their products, not realizing federal regulation prohibits the use of E15 in small engines – like those in boats, lawn mowers, and motorcycles. Lifting the restriction on E15 sales during the summer months will make misfuelling even more likely.

“While today’s announcement is not surprising, the overwhelming opposition to expanding E15 sales – which includes various business, energy, and environmental organizations – is striking. When such strange bedfellows are aligned against a course of action, leaders would be wise to reevaluate their position. 

“President Trump should abandon this irresponsible proposal and instead work with Congress on reforming the Renewable Fuel Standard to deliver changes that result in better outcomes for all Americans. Otherwise, we will continue to be stuck with a system that only picks winners and losers.” 

NMMA is continuing to be loud on this issue and is addressing the industry's concerns head on. For more information, please contact NMMA Senior Vice President of Government Relations and Legal Affairs, Nicole Vasilaros at [email protected] or NMMA Director of Federal Affairs, Michael Pasko at [email protected].