Ethanol Problems in Small Engines

Statement

Memorial Day is fast approaching, bringing with it warm weather and the unofficial start of Maine's boating season. With more than 2,200 lakes and ponds, and some 3,500 miles of ocean coastline, all regions of our state offer unparalleled opportunities for fun on the water. There are approximately 113,000 motorized boats - recreational and commercial - registered in the State of Maine, nearly one boat for every 10 citizens.

Mainers work and play on the water. Like all Americans, we also are concerned about the need to reduce our reliance on foreign oil, including the fuel to power our motor boats. Ethanol, a gasoline additive derived from renewable sources - principally corn - is part of this effort. The 2005 Energy Policy Act required that we add renewable fuels like ethanol into our fuel supply. In 2007, that Renewable Fuel Standard was updated to require that by the year 2022 we introduce annually a minimum of 36 billion gallons of renewable fuel into our fuel supply. Today, in many areas of the country, including Maine, people only have access to gasoline mixed with ten percent ethanol, called E10.

While ethanol does cut our use of fossil fuels and reduces some harmful air emissions, it also raises some serious concerns. It is a powerful solvent that can damage engines and fuel systems, break down fiberglass fuel tanks, and rapidly absorb water from the atmosphere, causing engine failure. New cars and trucks are engineered to avoid these problems. Unfortunately, small engines - such as lawnmowers, chainsaws, weed trimmers, snowmobiles and boat motors - are susceptible to the damage caused by ethanol. In addition, many large boat motors and fuel systems are older and were not designed for ethanol use.

The damage caused by E10 can be both expensive to repair and create dangerous situations. One Mainer topped off his gas tanks before heading out to sea but, within two miles, his boat stopped. He later discovered that the E10 in his tanks had destroyed his boat's fuel lines and caused fuel filters and carburetors to clog. He eventually had to tear up the boat deck and replace the tanks at a cost of thousands of dollars. Besides the mechanical damage and the danger of being stranded on the water, the leaks from deteriorated fuel tanks on boats and at dockside fueling facilities can pollute our waters.

Yet, although these problems with E10 remain unaddressed, there is a movement to increase the use of ethanol. In March 2009, ethanol manufacturers petitioned the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to approve fuel blends containing as much as 15 percent of ethanol by volume, termed E15, for general use. It is likely that older and non-road engines will have even greater problems using higher ethanol fuel blends. I believe that before this happens EPA must show it will protect consumers from damage and dangers of ethanol for these engines.

That is why I have introduced the Mid-Level Ethanol Blends bill. Among other things, this bill requires that the EPA Science Advisory Board carefully evaluate the evidence presented about E15's performance in the current inventory of engines. This will provide valuable information about potential difficulties faced by many millions of vehicle, boat, and small-engine devices whose performance and safety could be compromised were they unable to use any fuel other than E15.

Under to my legislation, the EPA could only approve E15 if the findings are that it will not harm conventional gasoline-powered vehicles and engines in widespread use as of the date the new fuel is introduced. I am pleased that six of my Senate colleagues have joined as co-sponsors of this bipartisan bill.

Many families in Maine enjoy our beautiful lakes and coast through recreational boating, and many Mainers earn their living on the water. Whether for work or pleasure, an investment in a boat is a major decision. Multiplied nationwide, there are more than 200 million engines in the United States today that could conceivably be damaged by the introduction of new fuel blends containing higher amounts of ethanol. Any introduction of a new fuel must be done carefully with ample time for testing to help ensure that these investments, boater safety, and the environment all are protected.

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