RFS: PUTTING MOTORISTS AT RISK

1. RFS: PUTTING MOTORISTS AT RISK
OVERVIEW
The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is a government mandate that requires oil refiners to blend increasing amounts of ethanol into America’s gasoline supply.
This policy could have serious impacts for you.
One of the RFS’ biggest drawbacks is that too much ethanol can damage engines and fuel pumps– meaning the fuel you buy could potentially wreck your vehicle, boat or other motorized equipment.
Given the risk to American motorists and consumers — it’s time to repeal this senseless mandate.

2. RFS: PUTTING MOTORISTS AT RISK
VEHICLE DAMAGE
In 2011 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved the sale of a 15 percent ethanol (E15) fuel blend for use in vehicle models 2001 and later — despite research that indicates E15 causes engine failure.
A survey by AAA also found that of the 240 million vehicles on the road, only 12 million — or 5 percent — are manufacturer-approved to use E15.
This is why automakers like BMW, Chrysler, Nissan, Toyota and Volkswagen do not cover E15-related damages under their warranties; and Ford, Honda, Kia, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo completely void their warranties if you use it.

3. RFS: PUTTING MOTORISTS AT RISK
OTHER ENGINES
E15 not only affects car engines, it also damages small engines in motorcycles, lawnmowers and chainsaws.
And boat engines aren’t safe either. Fueling with E15 can lead to clogged carburetors and fuel filters.

4. RFS: PUTTING MOTORISTS AT RISK
MISLABELING/MISFUELING
Despite these drawbacks, a few retailers offer E15 at the pump — though you may never know it.
A recent survey reveals that 35 percent of E15 retailers do not properly label E15; while a AAA survey shows that 95 percent of consumers aren’t even familiar with the product.
Even the most vigilant consumer can misfuel – since some retailers may use a single gas pump hose to dispense both E10 and E15, which can lead to cross-contamination and alter the ethanol content to incorrect proportions.
All of these factors put motorists at great risk of misfueling and incurring damages.

5. RFS: PUTTING MOTORISTS AT RISK
INFRASTRUCTURE/RETAILERS
Beyond small engines, ethanol has the potential to cause leaks in gas station equipment.
In fact, without expensive equipment upgrades, 700,000 gasoline dispensers and 3,000 miles of underground piping systems could be at risk if E15 is more widely distributed.
With more than 156,000 service stations in the U.S. – 97 percent of which are owned by someone other than a major oil company – this failed mandate would put the up to $15 billion cost of such upgrades on the backs of small business owners, nearly 64% of whom own only one station.

6. RFS: PUTTING MOTORISTS AT RISK
The RFS is a federal mandate enforced by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) that requires increasing the amount of biofuels, like ethanol, blended with gasoline. It’s clear that the RFS isn’t right for American vehicles, consumers or farmers.