EPA Finalizes E15 Pump Labeling Requirements/New labels will help consumers find the right fuel for their vehicles (HQ)
WASHINGTON - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued
fuel pump labeling and other requirements for gasoline blends
containing more than 10 and up to 15 percent ethanol, known as E15.
These requirements will help ensure that E15 is properly labeled
and used once it enters the market.
The new orange and black label must appear on fuel pumps that
dispense E15. This label will help inform consumers about which
vehicles can use E15. This label will also warn consumers against
using E15 in vehicles older than model year 2001, motorcycles,
watercraft, and gasoline-powered equipment such as lawnmowers and
chainsaws.
Over the past year, EPA issued two partial waivers under the Clean
Air Act that in sum allow E15 to be sold for use in model year 2001
and newer cars and light trucks. EPA based its waiver decisions on
testing and analysis showing that these vehicles could continue to
meet emission standards if operated on E15. However, EPA does not
mandate the use of E15, nor has the agency registered the fuel,
which is required before E15 can be legally sold for use in
conventional vehicles.
The E15 pump label requirements, developed in coordination with the
Federal Trade Commission (FTC), adopt elements of FTC’s
existing labels for alternative fuels to promote consistent
labeling. The rule also includes a prohibition against misfueling
with E15; a requirement to track E15 and other fuels as they move
through the fuel supply chain so that E15 can be properly blended
and labeled; and a quarterly survey to help ensure that gas pumps
dispensing E15 are properly labeled. In addition, it modifies the
Reformulated Gasoline (RFG) Program to allow fuel producers to
certify batches of E15 as complying with RFG standards.
This action will help to further reduce the risks of potential
misfueling that could result in damage to the vehicle or equipment
and in associated emission increases that pose threats to human
health and the environment.
EPA is also issuing guidance on the compatibility of underground
storage tanks (USTs) with gasoline containing greater than 10
percent ethanol or diesel containing greater than 20 percent
biodiesel. The guidance is intended to assist UST owners and
operators in meeting the existing federal UST compatibility
requirements.
More information and to view the pump labels:
https://www.epa.gov/transportation-air-pollution-and-climate-change
The UST guidance: https://www.epa.gov/ust