A new University of Nebraska study released April 20 in a publication called Nature Climate Change says eliminating ethanol as a biofuel can actually decrease soil organic carbon. The study claims cellulosic biofuels like ethanol actually generate more greenhouse gases than gasoline.

As expected, the biofuel industry is speaking out against the Nebraska study, calling it deeply flawed and out of step with science.

“MRAA has long supported repeal of the ethanol mandate,” says MRAA president Matt Gruhn. “Not only do boaters have to pay more for ethanol enriched gasoline, but of much more significant concern is the damage ethanol causes to older marine engines and fuel systems. We’ve been telling Congress for years that ethanol creates a bad situation for boaters and the industry, and hopefully a bill will pass this year to stop this public policy that’s gone horribly wrong.”

Now’s the time to reach out to Congress and express your concerns about ethanol, even if you didn’t attend last week’s American Boating Congress in Washington, D.C. Join your industry colleagues by contacting your local representatives and telling them that it’s time to end the current ethanol mandate.

Contacting your Congressional leader(s) is easier than you might think. Simply visit the MRAA website, “Stop the corn ethanol mandate. Support the pair of bills being sponsored by Rep. Bob Goodlatte (R-VA): H.R. 1462, which suspends the current EPA waiver that permits the sale of E-15 and requires a comprehensive assessment by the National Academy of Sciences regarding the effects of mid-level ethanol on marine engines; and H.R. 1461, which would repeal the renewable fuel standard.”

Ethanol levels of 10 percent already cause major problems for boaters, and an increase to 15 percent (E-15) or greater will pose serious mechanical and safety concerns. Ninety-five percent of boats are trailered to the water; fuel pumps containing E-15 will for sure lead to misfueling of boats and damaged engines this spring and summer.