During a GIE+EXPO 2014 press event, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) Executive Director Kris Kiser said the organization’s “Look Before You Pump” consumer education program to combat the ill effects of E15 is making progress as more retailers and organizations are picking it up.
Kiser noted that major marine and snow machine trade groups are signing dealers up to promote the program. He also reported that multiple major retailers, including Home Depot, Lowes, Wal-Mart, Sears and Tractor Supply Co., “are all using ‘Look Before You Pump’ to some extent and in some way.”
Following up on the recent lawsuit news, Kiser said the case was lost on the legal concept of “standing”—that the groups protesting EPA’s move on E15 haven’t demonstrated direct financial injury due to E15. “As a result, we’re looking to Congress for relief,” OPEI Executive Director Kiser said, adding the lame duck session might provide an opportunity for movement on the ethanol issue.
“If the Senate goes Republican there’s a good chance we’ll see some Renewable Fuel Standard (the federal law that underpins ethanol and other renewable fuel mandates) reform,” Kiser added. However, Kiser said he is hearing from Capitol Hill that there is heavy pressure being put on EPA to increase ethanol blend level requirements instead of reducing them.
Related Articles