Boating United Asks Public to Support EPA’s Approval of Isobutanol as E15 Alternative

Boating United has issued an action alert asking the boating public to reach out to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requesting it approve the registration of isobutanol as a gasoline additive up to 16 volume percent as an alternative to ethanol. EPA is evaluating whether to make isobutanol available to the public.

The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) and the American Boat and Yacht Council (ABYC), under the guidance of the U.S. Department of Energy and Argonne National Laboratory conducted a five-year study to evaluate the effects of 16.1 volume percent isobutanol on the operation of marine engines. Thousands of hours of engine and vessel testing showed isobutanol is more resistant to phase separation than ethanol and is less corrosive to fuel system component materials such as fuel tanks, fuel hoses, gaskets and o-rings. Isobutanol is safer for engines and also contains nearly 90 percent of the energy content of gasoline compared to 67 percent for ethanol. All marine engine manufacturers have approved the use of isobutanol for marine use.

This issue is more crucial now that President Trump has announced he’ll be making E15 available year-round. More readily available E15 increases the chance for boaters to misfuel when filling boats at local gas stations. A statement from Thom Dammrich, NMMA president said, “We are calling on the EPA to revise the labeling requirements for ethanol fuel blends exceeding 15 percent, implement a consumer education campaign to raise awareness, and approve the registration of isobutanol as a gasoline additive in order to expand access to innovative, renewable fuels that do not pose a threat to consumer safety.”

To contact EPA and learn more about the issue click here.