MRAA Chairman Steve Baum and President Matt Gruhn has asked the President to support the recent decision by the US Environment Protection Agency to waive the 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS). Many have expressed great concern that the market cannot accommodate higher levels of ethanol. “We remain concerned that the new RFS would require more biofuel than consumers demand and perhaps more importantly more ethanol than current boats are designed and warranted to handle,” said Baum and Gruhn.

The problem is compounded by millions of boats being used by American families for fun and fishing that use a technology that is not compatible with the current standard. Forcing even more biofuels into the marketplace will damage engines and outboard motors placing families in danger on the open waters. “Boats are generally not used frequently enough to allow ethanol blend gasoline to move through the fuel system. As a result, the ethanol breaks down into water and corrodes the fuel lines and engine parts. Boats cease to operate, repair costs are very high, and families are place in harm’s way waiting for a tow to a safe port,” Baum and Gruhn told the President.