EPA approves E15 fuel label despite engine risk

USA Today
Jun 28, 2011
By James R. Healey, USA TODAY

The new EPA-required label for fuel pumps dispensing E15 -- a gasoline blend with 15% ethanol.CAPTIONBy EPAThe government has settled on a label for gas stations selling a blend of gasoline and ethanol called E15, which contains more ethanol -- grain alcohol -- than the E10 blend that's replaced pure gasoline at most stations.

The Environmental Protection Agency previously approved E15 -- 85% gasoline and 15% ethanol -- for use in vehicles back to 2001 models. The approved label is part of the EPA's final rule spelling out about how E15 can be sold and what standards it must meet.

EPA says tests show it won't harm 2001 and newer vehicles, which have hoses and gaskets and seals specially designed to resist corrosive ethanol. But using E15 fuel in older vehicles or in power equipment such as mowers, chainsaws and boats, can cause damage and now is literally a federal offense.

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