EPA Approves Bio-Isobutanol as a Fuel Additive

That's the word from NMMA President Thom Dammrich.

"We applaud...approval of bio-isobutanol as a biofuel additive, which will provide consumers a safe, efficient, and environmentally-friendly E15 alternative that is highly compatible with marine products," said Dammrich. "As Congress continues to discuss potential reforms to the Renewable Fuel Standard, it is absolutely critical that all stakeholders remember the threat posed by fuel blends exceeding 10 percent ethanol."

Following is background data on the new additive decision:

     * According to the NMMA, 95 percent of boats are fueled at retail gas stations. Boat owners depend on safe, reliable and proven fuel choices to be universally available.

     * Misfueling of engines voids warranties, leaving consumers with expensive repair and replacement bills.

     * Bio-isobutanol is a four-carbon alcohol produced from renewable, plant-derived energy sources in a fermentation process similar to beer and wine production.

     * Bio-isobutanol can be produced using existing ethanol feedstocks, such as corn and sugar beets, or advanced feedstocks (cellulosic biomass), such as crop residues, wood residues, dedicated energy crops, and industrial and other wastes.

     * Unlike E15, which causes severe damage to small engines like those used in recreational boating, bio-isobutanol delivers more renewable energy content than ethanol, while remaining compatible with current vehicles, boats and infrastructure.

According to a Harris Poll commissioned by the Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (2018):

     * Nearly two-thirds of Americans (65 percent) assume that any gas sold at the gas station is safe for all cars, as well as boats, mowers, chain saws, snowmobiles, generators, and other engine products;

     * As a result, an ever-increasing number of outdoor power-equipment owners are using the wrong type of fuel in their products, including boats. In 2018, 11 percent reported using E15, E30, E50, or E85 to fuel their equipment, up from 7 percent in 2015;

     * The EPA issued a small voluntary label for gas stations to post if they sell fuel with more than 10 percent ethanol. When asked about the label, more than 3 in 5 Americans (63 percent) feel it is inadequate to inform consumers about E15 fuel being illegal to use in outdoor power equipment.

This article appeared in the latest issue of Jay Kumar's BassBlaster.