Ethanol – rearing its ugly head again

by Bob Wonders on 28 Dec 2010 If there’s a subject I’ve had quite enough of it’s surely Ethanol, or E10, or E15, call it what you will.

I don’t know about you, but simply put I do not like the idea of someone putting 'stuff' in the gasoline I’m going to use in my car, my bike or my boat (if I hadn’t sold it).

If that means I’m to be seen as an enemy by the ‘greenies’, then so be it.

I take some satisfaction in knowing that America’s powerful National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) has filed suit in the US Court of Appeals, in Washington, D.C., challenging a decision by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).

The NMMA is joining with other organisations, among them the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute, the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and the Association of International Automobile Manufacturers.

A newly-formed coalition representing these organisations has been formed and given the name ‘Engine Products Group.’

The EPA decision that will be challenged by the coalition is that take on October 13 to partially approve E15 (that’s gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol) for a range of highway motor vehicles.

NMMA president Thom Dammrich, said the association regretted pursuing litigation, but he also claimed the EPA 'has not fulfilled its statutory obligations to ensure the safe introduction of E15.'

'Consequently, we and our industry partners have determined that it is necessary to seek relief in the courts in order to protect our manufacturers and our consumers,' Mr Dammrich added.

'Throughout this process, the NMMA has strongly and consistently urged full scientific testing on marine engines and equipment, as required by law.

'We also sought the rational evaluation of policy mechanisms to protect consumers from misfueling and product failures associated with incompatible fuels.

'Additionally, we also seek regulatory actions to ensure that compatible fuels remain available and affordable.

'The EPA has failed in each regard and approved E15 in contravention of its clear, statutory requirements,' he declared.

Apparently, this newly-formed coalition is not the first to challenge the EPA ruling.

Several US food industry groups, among them the Grocery Manufacturers Association and the National Meat Association, have taken similar steps as has the American Petroleum Institute.

It’s worth pointing out that there are no claims that E15 (or E10) causes ‘unspeakable damage’ to engines.

The damage dealt out by ethanol is cantered on components, such as fuel lines, fuel tanks, hoses and the like.

One of its major problems is that which is termed ‘phase separation’, which means that the ethanol component of fuel in a fuel tank will sink to the bottom, totally separating itself from the 'pure' gasoline.

Naturally, this is a far larger problem for the boat owner compared to the motor vehicle owner; a motor vehicle, used virtually on a daily basis and being constantly refuelled, is a different situation altogether, whereas a boat, used only sparingly by comparison, may sit for weeks with the bottom of its fuel tank ‘ethanolised.’

Another point is that older style fuel tanks will completely succumb to the ravages of ethanol and will be totally destroyed.

One of the problems in Australia lies with our politicians; they seemingly will do whatever it takes to win the green vote and furthermore, the boating industry is simply not on their radar!

If you’re one of those sensible people who cares for his boat, consider this; not one single powerboat racer, offshore, circuit or ski racer to my knowledge allows ethanol fuel anywhere near his engine.

It’s strictly premium octane all the way.

An obvious next step for me as a journalist after summing up the NMMA reaction is to put the situation to our own Boating Industry Associations (BIA) and obtain their views, comments.

Well, I would have taken that step, but hey, it’s Christmas and all the State BIA offices are closed for the Festive Season.

Stick around, I will run them down and get their views and reaction on the NMMA and Engine Products Group move.