E15 gasoline restrictions lifted by Trump administration

WASHINGTON – The Trump administration on Friday lifted restrictions on the sale of higher ethanol blends of gasoline, keeping a campaign promise to farmers suffering from the trade war with China but drawing a legal threat from the oil industry.

The announcement will allow gasoline stations to sell blends containing up to 15 percent corn-based ethanol, called E15, year-round, ending a summertime ban that President Barack Obama’s Environmental Protection Agency imposed in 2011 to reduce smog pollution.

“As President Trump promised, EPA is approving the year-round sale of E15 in time for summer driving season,” EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler said in a press release.

Most outdoor power equipment is not designed, built or warranted to run on fuel containing 15 percent ethanol. “Fuel containing more than 10 percent ethanol can damage or destroy equipment,” said Kris Kiser, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute president and CEO. Landscapers are advised to check their owners’ manuals for guidance on correctly fueling their outdoor power equipment products, but “should be generally aware that only fuels containing 10 percent or less ethanol should be used,” he said.

“As the fuels marketplace is evolving, you can no longer count on being able to put the same fuel in your mower that you also use in your car or truck," Kiser said. "You must pay attention at the pump so you can protect your power equipment. You must put the right fuel in the right engine product. And for outdoor power equipment, that means E10 or less.”

A portion of this story comes from Reuters reporting. To read its entire story, click here.