In an effort to prohibit the availability of E15, a gasoline formulation that contains up to 15 percent ethanol by volume, the American Motorcyclist Association supports U.S. Reps. Bob Goodlatte (R-Va.), Jim Costa (D-Calif.), Steve Womack (R-Ark.) and Peter Welch’s (D-Vt.) H.R. 1315, the RFS Reform Act. The bipartisan bill would amend the Renewable Fuel Standard to recognize market conditions and realities. It also would prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency from allowing the introduction into the marketplace of gasoline blends with more than 10 percent ethanol by volume.
In other words, E15 will not be permitted if this legislation becomes law.
The AMA has repeatedly expressed concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle fuel systems and engines caused by the inadvertent use of E15.
Passing H.R. 1315 will protect the 22 million motorcycles and all-terrain vehicles currently in use on America’s roads and trails (and the riders who depend on their safe operation) from inadvertent misfueling.
Preventing these inadvertent misfuelings has been one of the AMA’s top priorities, because motorcycles in use today are not designed to run on ethanol blends higher than 10 percent. Many older machines favored by vintage enthusiasts have problems with any ethanol in the fuel. Often, simply using fuel blends higher than 10 percent ethanol can void a manufacturer’s warranty, potentially leaving motorcyclists with thousands of dollars in additional repair or maintenance costs.
We need your help to pass H.R. 1315. You can send a prewritten email to your representative immediately by following the “Take Action” option and entering your information. The AMA encourages riders to adjust their messages by drawing on personal riding experiences.
