Organizations Have Alternatives to Simplified E15 Label
Growth Energy, RFA say EPA label has shortcomings.
Compiled by staff
Published: Jan 6, 2011
In formal comments submitted to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Growth Energy and the Renewable Fuels Association have each proposed new labels for E15 that will, according to Growth Energy, more accurately provide consumers with the information they need to make educated decisions at the pump. These alternative labels were submitted because both organizations feel EPA's proposed label has shortcomings.
The RFA says EPA's label's shortcomings include leading, unscientific statements, confusing technical information and unwarranted warnings. The association believes the label as written will seriously impair long-term progress towards achieving the country's stated goals for renewable fuels
Essentially, both proposed labels inform consumers that the fuel contains up to 15% ethanol; which vehicles are approved to use such fuel; and that federal law prohibits use in other vehicles and engines. The labels are designed to provide all information necessary for consumers to make an informed fuel choice and do not inappropriately impact marketplace perceptions of the fuel.
Also commenting on the proposal was the National Corn Growers Association. NCGA President Bart Schott voiced his organizations concern that the current label could be read as a warning instead of information sharing.
"We feel strongly that the proposed label could be interpreted as a warning label, therefore subsequently negatively influencing consumers' purchases in a negative manner and cause undue alarm," Schott said. "We believe this could also potentially deter Flexible Fuel Vehicle owners from purchasing higher blends."
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Tagged: EPA, ethanol, Environmental Protection Agency, National Corn Growers Association, NCGA
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