quote:WASHINGTON -- Nearly two-thirds of cars on the road could have more corn-based ethanol in their fuel tanks under an Environmental Protection Agency decision Friday.
The agency said that 15 percent ethanol blended with gasoline is safe for cars and light-duty trucks manufactured between 2001 and 2006, expanding an October decision that the higher blend is safe for cars built since 2007. The maximum gasoline blend has been 10 percent ethanol.
The fuel is popular in farm country because most ethanol comes from corn and other grains. It faces strong opposition, however, from the auto industry, environmentalists, cattle ranchers, food companies and others.
Those groups say that using corn to make ethanol makes animal feed more expensive, raises prices at the grocery store and tears up the land. Several lawsuits already have been filed against the EPA – including one filed by automakers, boat manufacturers and outdoor power equipment manufacturers – since the agency decided to allow the higher blends for newer cars in October.
Critics said the change could be frustrating for drivers of older cars who will have to figure out which service station pump to use. And they argue that many retailers will opt not to sell the higher blend because of the expense of adding new pumps and signs.
“It seems like corn growers and the ethanol industry are the only real winners here,” said Craig Cox of the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy group that opposes use of the fuel.
The Obama administration has remained supportive of the renewable fuel, and the EPA has said a congressional mandate for increased ethanol use can’t be achieved without allowing higher-percentage blends. Congress, driven by a broad coalition of members from farm states, has required refiners to blend 36 billion gallons of biofuels, mostly ethanol, into auto fuel by 2022
Where are all the boat and motor manufacturers? You never see/hear them opposing this crap. It seems to me they have more to lose than anyone. If this keeps up, recreational boaters will have really nice yard art because we won’t be able to run our boats anymore.
Outboard companies like Yamaha already have in production outboards that are compatible with up to 25 percent ethenol. They exist in countries like Brasil. These outboard manufacturers are opposing higher ethenol blends; But do not hold a huge market as far as fuel consumption. politics and the American Ethenol Coalition will win every time. These outboards will obviously end up costing a lot more to produce, with having to implement stainless steel in just about the whole fuel system. These subjects are a moot point. THEY WILL DO WHAT THEY WANT TO DO.
Evenrude had much to say about ethanol gas on their website last year. They had performed spot checks at gas stations selling gas that “may contain up to 10% ethanol”. Evenrude found that in most cases, this gas contained upwards of 30% ethanol. Boat owners in California and Florida have class action lawsuits against their respective states.
Fork, this stuff pisses me off, my boat motor is problematic enough without ethanol running through it. You can count on me to vote against any politician that supports ethanol blends and the sham that it is.
“I am constantly amazed at the stupidity of the general public.”
~my dad
Equipment:
190cc Sea Pro w/130 Johnson
1- 16 year old
1 - 12 year old
1 - wife (The Warden)
There are plenty of places to get non-ethanol fuel now. I haven’t run ethanol in my boat for 3 years. Almost half of the marinas carry non-ethanol now and if you trailer there are gas stations that carry non-ethanol as well.
buffalope, I just noticed that the station at the corner of Main and Richardson right in downtown Summerville has a sign for 0% ethanol in 93 octane only.
I have heard in Mt. P there is a place off of Mathis Ferry near US17/Houston Northcutt intersection behind the gas station where you can get it - one of those self serve/no attendent deals?
Anyone confirm this?
Capt. Paul M. Capps
CAPPATTACK
23 Regulator w/twin 150 Yamahas
I have heard in Mt. P there is a place off of Mathis Ferry near US17/Houston Northcutt intersection behind the gas station where you can get it - one of those self serve/no attendent deals?
Anyone confirm this?
Capt. Paul M. Capps
CAPPATTACK
23 Regulator w/twin 150 Yamahas
Yep the premium. its been talked about on here for some time.
