Trump administration decision to drive more ethanol into US gas tanks could harm consumers

WASHINGTON, October 9, 2018 – Today the American Petroleum Institute said the Trump administration’s decision to allow for year-round sales of higher ethanol E15 blended gasoline is a bad deal for consumers.

“Putting a fuel into the marketplace that the vast majority of cars on the road were not designed to use is not in the best interest of consumers,” said API President and CEO Mike Sommers. "Vehicle compatibility tests have shown that high ethanol levels in gasoline can damage engines and fuel systems.

“EPA has previously stated that it does not have the legal authority to grant the E15 waiver, and we agree with that assessment. The industry plans to aggressively pursue all available legal remedies against this waiver.”

Three out of four vehicles on the road today in America weren’t built to use E15, and the fuel isn’t compatible with motorcycles, boats, lawn equipment or ATVs. A number of automakers have also said that using E15 could potentially void vehicle warranties.

“In addition, the administration’s proposal to put limits on fuels trading markets could make matters worse. This new anti-consumer ethanol policy is another symptom of a broken Renewable Fuel Standard and this decision could potentially destroy future opportunities for consensus bipartisan reform.”

API is the only national trade association representing all facets of the natural gas and oil industry, which supports 10.3 million U.S. jobs and nearly 8 percent of the U.S. economy. API’s more than 600 members include large integrated companies, as well as exploration and production, refining, marketing, pipeline, and marine businesses, and service and supply firms. They provide most of the nation’s energy and are backed by a growing grassroots movement of more than 47 million Americans.