U.S. Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) and David Vitter (R-La.) on February 14, introduced legislation to block an increase in the amount of ethanol that can be blended with gasoline. The bill would overturn Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) waivers that allowed gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E15). The higher blend of ethanol has been found to cause engine damage, reduce fuel efficiency, and contribute to higher corn prices and rising food costs for American consumers.
NMMA has long been opposed to the introduction of E15 into the marketplace. The results of research have continued to show the devastating effects that E15 can have on marine engines. Most recently, NMMA’s action on the issue culminated in a Hill briefing to educate policymakers and their staff about the negative impacts of the Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) and E15 which brought together over 70 House members or staffers and more than 50 members of the Senate, and their staff.
Read the proposed bill here. Questions? Contact Jim Currie at jcurrie@nmma.org or 202-737-9760.
