According to a
report from the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA),
the court found that the groups bringing the lawsuit, which included
trade associations representing manufacturers of cars, boats and power
equipment, along with the petroleum and food industries, lacked standing
to bring the lawsuit.
SEMA says it opposes E15 based on scientific evidence that it causes
corrosion with incompatible parts. Ethanol increases water formation,
which can then create formic acid and corrode metals, plastics and
rubber, the association says. In light of the court’s decision, SEMA
says it is now turning to the U.S. Congress to enact legislation to ban
the sale of E15.
“Today’s decision is disappointing for the millions of motorists who own
older cars or those with high-performance specialty parts,” said Steve
McDonald, SEMA’s vice president, government affairs. “These vehicles and
parts are threatened with destruction by E15’s chemical properties. The
EPA acknowledged the threat but, beyond minimal labeling requirements,
took no additional steps to ensure that incompatible vehicles and
engines were not misfueled with E15.”
SEMA announced it is seeking passage of federal legislation (HR 3199)
that would prevent the EPA from introducing E15 into the marketplace
until the National Academies has conducted a study on how gasoline
blended with 15 to 20 percent ethanol may impact gas-powered vehicles.
The analysis would consider a variety of issues including tailpipe
emissions, materials compatibility and fuel efficiency. The bill has
been approved by the U.S. House Science Committee and is pending on the
House floor.