In a letter sent to the Environmental Protection Agency, Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) expresses significant concerns about the expansion of E15 in the marketplace without a solid consumer education program.

“Because all gasoline-fueled power equipment is designed and warranted to operate on E10 or less fuel, OPEI and its members are gravely concerned about the risk of inadvertent mis-fueling by consumers. Mis-fueling can damage or destroy small engines, leaving the consumer with costly repair or replacement costs,” says Kris Kiser, President and CEO of OPEI.

“Americans rely on their power equipment and many count on it lasting for a decade or more. There are 250 million pieces of legacy power equipment in use in this country today and the risk of mis-fueling and damage to these products is very real,” Kiser adds.

“If the Environmental Protection Agency is going to introduce blender pumps and more E15 into the marketplace, then you also need a robust consumer education campaign so consumers understand which fuel blends are safe for which product,” says Kiser. The letter notes that labeling for E15 and other blended fuels is inadequate and not consistent.

OPEI Board Appoint New Leadership