The Marine Retailers Association of the Americas has called marine retailers to action by asking them to contact the U.S. Environmental Protections Agency in strong support of its recent action to reduce the Congressional mandate on the renewable fuel standard (RFS) for corn-based ethanol, for 2014 to 2013 levels.
For the past couple of years, MRAA has been working with other key trade associations to repeal the renewable fuel standard, especially for destructive corn-based ethanol. Many conversations with Members of Congress and their staff have been had by the MRAA board, MRAA members, and MRAA staff; and many letters have been sent to Congress, the White House and the EPA, expressing MRAA’s deep concern of the effects of corn-based ethanol on boater safety and the high repair cost of damage to marine engines, outboard motors and fuel systems. MRAA members are fully aware of the damage blend levels higher than E10 create, such as engine stalling and flammable leaks into bilges, damage to engine valves, fuel lines, tanks and other component parts of the fuel system.
As a reminder, the EPA recently indicated it would reduce the RFS volume level for 2014 to 2013 standards. By doing so, the EPA would maintain a blend level supporting E10 for 2014 rather than the anticipated E15. It is a normal process in the federal government for an agency to issue a proposed rule to support the proposed decision before it becomes law. A public comment period Is part of that process. MRAA anticipates the ethanol industry will organize corn producers and ethanol refiners to overwhelm the EPA with letters in strong opposition of its decision. Marine retailers must respond in-kind.
MRAA asks marine retailers to go to this web site and comment in support of the EPA proposal. Sample comments are provided on this site. Comments are due by January 28, 2014. The identifying EPA docket number, which must be included in your comments, is EPA-HQ-OAR-2013-0479.
Please contact MRAA, if you need further explanation or assistance in preparing your letter.
