The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) fully supports an amendment introduced by Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) to the Senate’s Energy and Natural Resources Committee’s (ENRC) Energy Bill (S 987). This amendment requires federal agencies to study the impact of “mid-level” blends of ethanol gasoline (ethanol levels between 10 percent and 40 percent). The amendment was unanimously approved by the ENRC and should come to the Senate floor in the next month.
OPEI believes this study is important in order to provide a clear understanding on the impact of ethanol on engines and equipment.
“The expanded study will provide the some of the information needed to protect consumers, the environment, engine and equipment manufacturers, and gasoline retailers from unintended consequences,” stated Bill Harley, president and CEO of OPEI.
OPEI cautions that there is widespread concern about how these new, unproven ethanol blends will impact consumers and the operation and emission of their lawn mowers, chainsaws, and other products. The outdoor power equipment industry has been at the forefront of developing cleaner, quieter, more efficient products, resulting in a decrease of emissions by over 70% in the last decade.
“We have been and continue to be part of the solution to creating a better environment,” Harley says. “We all want to carefully gain the public trust and not inadvertently injure the environment or poison the long-term consumer market for ethanol fuel blends.”
In addition to OPEI the amendment is supported by the American Motorcyclist Association, Boat US, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Personal Watercraft Industry Association, Engine Manufacturers Association, Motorcycle Industry Council, Specialty Vehicle Institute of America, Association of Marina Industries, International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association, Association of International Automobile Manufacturers, and the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers.