Too much ethanol in gasoline can cause engine problems, which is a concern for motorcyclists. Addressing that issue, Rep. James Sensenbrenner, always a strong advocate for motorcyclist issues, recently introduced a bill, HR 3199, requiring that ethanol content higher than 10 percent (E15) be assessed scientifically if its use is to be made widespread.
That bill was passed out of the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology today by a vote of 19-7.
Said Rep. Sensenbrenner, "I am pleased that the Committee voted today to put science before politics. When it comes to a decision of this magnitude that would impact every American who owns a car, boat, or lawnmower, we must base our decisions on sound science, not political expediency. The Administration has fast tracked E15 without considering that increasing the percentage of ethanol in our gasoline will cause premature engine failure, lower fuel efficiency, and void vehicle warranties. In small engines, E15 is downright dangerous and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) has no credible plan to stop mis-fueling. If ethanol is going to be the 'fuel of the future,' then there should be no problem conducting independent, comprehensive scientific analysis of its effect on American drivers."
Commenting on the proposed legislation, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) said in a statement it released following the vote that it, "is concerned about E15 because it burns hotter than gasoline that contains a lesser amount of ethanol. In engines not designed to dissipate that extra heat, damage in the form of premature wear can result. Although this is a concern in all motorcycles, it's particularly problematic for air-cooled engines found in many bikes. Moreover, use of E15 may even void the manufacturer warranty."
The EPA has released lists of vehicles in which use of E15 is approved, but, the AMA noted, "no motorcycles or ATVs are currently listed."
The AMA has urged its members to write their Congressional representatives to ask them to support HR 3199, as well as HR 748. HR 748 is another Sensenbrenner bill that would prohibit the EPA from authorizing the use of gasoline with greater than 10 percent ethanol in certain vehicles.
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