Subsequent to the Environment Subcommittee hearing on mid-level ethanol blends, MRAA sent a letter to Rep. Chris Stewart, Chairman of the Subcommittee asking Congress to intercede with the EPA to prevent the sale of E15 gasoline blends until proper research has been completed to ensure the protection of boating consumers.

MRAA told the Subcommittee Chairman that boating consumers are confused as to what is appropriate for boats and many times have no idea of the effects of mid-levels of ethanol on older marine engines. Even at 10 per cent ethanol levels our members are seeing major repair problems with older outboard motors and inboard engine fuel systems. E15 will greatly exacerbate those problems. The letter said boats oftentimes are not used for several weeks or months at a time. The natural breakdown of ethanol causes the fuel system to clog and damage to engines imposing a safety problem to people underway.

MRAA is concerned the EPA forced usage of corn-based ethanol before thoughtful research had been conducted and has failed to meet its civil obligation to provide for consumer safety. But, most alarming to MRAA is that more than 90 per cent of boating and fishing consumers fill their boat gas tanks at on-road service stations at the same time as their cars. As a result without proper education, they could inadvertently use higher ethanol levels in boats.

MRAA called on the EPA to do complete and proper research into the effects of mid-levels of ethanol blends in gasoline before releasing the product to the marketplace and conduct a national consumer education campaign that fully explains how the new fuel can be used, if the results of the research support usage.