It's time to act!!

[Destroyer]

Got this in my email today. Everyone here NEEDS to speak up to their government. The time to act is NOW!!!

August 22, 2017

Dear BoatU.S. Member:

The battle to protect your boat’s engine is not over. Right now, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is asking for comments on the amount of ethanol that must be blended into the nation’s fuel supply for 2018.

Boat owners need to speak up http://cqrcengage.com/boatus/app/act...ementId=389053 and be heard by the EPA.

Act Now

While the proposed national ethanol levels are slightly lower than the 2017 mandate, boaters can expect to face higher ethanol-blend fuels, such as E15 (15 percent ethanol), at more gas stations next year under the current proposal. Because of its ability to damage boat engines, federal law prohibits the use of gas blends greater than E10 (10 percent ethanol) in recreational boats.

Please take a few moments to send a message NOW urging the EPA to lower the ethanol mandates to ensure an adequate supply of fuel that will work in your boat.

Click here to take action. http://cqrcengage.com/boatus/app/act...ementId=389053

Background

The Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) is the 2005 law that requires the blending of biofuels such as corn-ethanol into our gasoline. To meet this government mandate, in 2010 the EPA permitted E15 (fuel containing up to 15 percent ethanol) into the marketplace, but only for model year 2001 or newer automobiles. Using E15 in marine engines as well as snowmobiles, motorcycles, and small engines, like lawnmowers and leaf blowers, is prohibited. In addition, it has been proven that E15 will damage boat engines, making it vital that E10 and ethanol-free gasoline is readily available.

E15 and higher ethanol-blend fuels can now be found in at least 23 states, often at the very same pumps as E10 gasoline. A single sticker on the pump mixed in with all the other labels may be the only warning of E15 gasoline. This creates a dangerous potential for misfueling and puts boaters at risk of using fuel that will damage their engines. CLICK HERE http://www.boatus.com/gov/RFS.asp for more information on E15 and the Renewable Fuel Standard.

Thanks for being a BoatU.S. member and for taking action to let EPA hear how ethanol will affect your boat engine. BoatU.S. members have one of the largest voices on this issue in Washington so please send your comments today and share this email with your boating friends.

The comment period ends on August 31st so please send your comments today. http://cqrcengage.com/boatus/app/act...ementId=389053

Sincerely,

David Kennedy
BoatU.S. Government Affairs
(703) 461-2878 x8363
[email protected]

DO NOT REPLY TO THIS EMAIL. If you prefer not to receive Boat Owners Association of The United States Government Affairs Alert emails go to BoatUS.com/Gov/Unsub.asp or use the link at the bottom of this message.

[scook]

Right on Destroyer - mine is sent. Thanks for the reminder.

[Slightly_Twisted]

Sent

[Striper80]

Sent

[bgreene]

Sent, thanks for posting

[Trans Yank]

Sent thanks for the reminder

[wellcraftv20step]

Done , thanks Paul.

[Phoenix_MD]

10-4 ; thanks for the reminder Destroyer.

May I also suggest that members adjust or add to the pre-made BoatUS message. Include a line or two referencing "operational safety," not just the "inconvenience" of being hard to identify the proper grade and blend at the pumps.

(e.g. My family is concerned that the lack of proper and safe fuel being available for our vessel may contribute to an untimely engine failure and place us in a potentially life-threatening situation as a result. This is an easy link in the "accident chain of events" to break.)

Thank you all - just my 2 cents. Our lawmakers' ears tend to perk up when language like " ... may contribute to loss of life..." starts floating around the table.

Fair Winds, Following Seas, Tight Lines!

- The Grochowski Family

"Phoenix"
1976 V20 Cuddy O/B
1994 Evinrude V4 (90 HP)

[Destroyer]

Originally Posted by Phoenix_MD

10-4 ; thanks for the reminder Destroyer.

May I also suggest that members adjust or add to the pre-made BoatUS message. Include a line or two referencing "operational safety," not just the "inconvenience" of being hard to identify the proper grade and blend at the pumps.

(e.g. My family is concerned that the lack of proper and safe fuel being available for our vessel may contribute to an untimely engine failure and place us in a potentially life-threatening situation as a result. This is an easy link in the "accident chain of events" to break.)

Thank you all - just my 2 cents. Our lawmakers' ears tend to perk up when language like " ... may contribute to loss of life..." starts floating around the table.

Fair Winds, Following Seas, Tight Lines!

- The Grochowski Family

"Phoenix"
1976 V20 Cuddy O/B
1994 Evinrude V4 (90 HP)

Phoenix, that's a GREAT suggestion. I thought that the "inconvenience" of being hard to identify the proper grade and blend at the pumps" language was a bit tame also, but never thought to add to the message. Well Done!!!

[takochaser]

How will this affect marinas that offer ethanol free gas, which is where I buy all my gas for my boat and other 2stroke engines?

This sounds to me like it's at regular gas stations