Legislation Introduced to Require Better Labeling of E15 at Gas Pumps

Congressman Austin Scott (GA-R) and Congresswoman Lois Frankel (FL-D), members of the Congressional Boating Caucus, have introduced the Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2018. The bipartisan legislation would require more detailed labeling of gas pumps that dispense E15 fuel, or fuel with a 15 percent ethanol, 85 percent gasoline blend. E15 fuel has proven to be harmful for boat engines, causing corrosion, reduced fuel storage, and less engine lubrication resulting in engines overheating. Outside of boat engines, E15 fuel has also shown to negatively impact engines in lawn mowers, weed eaters, generators, motorcycles, all-terrain vehicle (ATVs), and older vehicles.

“As we are presented with more choices at the gas pump, it is imperative that American consumers know exactly what kind of fuel they are putting into their engines,”  Congressman Scott said. “Gas pumps today are riddled with confusing labels that fail to adequately warn consumers of the dangers of fueling small engine equipment with E15. For this reason, with the support of Congresswoman Frankel, I introduced the Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2018. By making fuel pump labels easier to decipher and coordinating public education programs, this legislation can save consumers time and energy at the pumps and avoid headaches and costs down the road.”