Agricultural News
RFA Calls AMA Lobby Day 'A Rally Without a Cause'
Wed, 19 Jun 2013 11:45:38 CDT
As the American Motorcycle Association (AMA) kicked off its "E15 Fuel for Thought Lobby Day" sponsored in part by the American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers Associations (AFPM), Bob Dinneen, President and CEO of the Renewable Fuels Association, took the opportunity to respond.
"This is a rally without a cause. E15 is not mandated for any vehicle and EPA has specifically prohibited its use in motorcycles and other small engines. E15 is a choice some consumers with 2001 and newer automobiles may and should be allowed to make to reduce gasoline costs or promote a cleaner environment. EPA has assured that E10 will still be available at all gas stations offering E15. E10 is fully approved by all motorcycle manufacturers today. Indeed, ethanol provides the high octane many motorcycles require. Where is the problem? Why do bikers want to eliminate consumer choice for automobile drivers fed up with skyrocketing gasoline prices?"
Dinneen continued, "I guess we should be flattered that AMA would dedicate Members of Congress' and riders' precious time to a fuel option they cannot use and is only available in a handful of gas stations nationwide. Hard to believe that E15 is a bigger concern than road safety and driver awareness of motorcycles. After all, the ethanol industry and the Environmental Protection Agency have worked diligently to address concerns previously raised by the AMA. E15 is clearly labeled on fuel pumps, which is more than can be said for motorcycle warranty-busting alternatives like diesel, kerosene, 85 octane gasoline or even E85. In addition, a dedicated hose is required for E15, meaning that each station has at least one hose offering E10/E0 for motorcycles and small engines.
"The motorcycle owners I know are smart people with lots of common sense and savvy. Does AMA really think their members are incapable of choosing the proper fuel, E10, for their machine and must be saved from themselves?", concluded Dinneen.
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