Battle lines are being drawn over the labels that are supposed to be affixed to gasoline pumps dispensing E15. This fuel blend, which consists of 85 percent gasoline and 15 percent ethanol, has been authorized by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for use in 2007 and newer model vehicles despite the fact that it appears to be capable of harming some engines and dispensing equipment.

Now a fight is brewing over the labels for the pumps. To prevent misfueling, API is proposing a label that provides the critical information to the consumer to make an informed decision:

Growth Energy, the pro-ethanol group that petitioned the EPA to permit the sale of E15, prefers this label:

Now I ask you: Which of these labels is more likely to get your attention and stop you from putting the wrong f... more »

In comments filed with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), API today revealed that a Department of Energy (DOE)-funded study shows the vast majority of existing gasoline pumps will fail if used to dispense E15.

E15 is a fuel blend consisting of 85 percent gasoline and 15 percent ethanol. EPA has approved E15 for use in 2007 and newer model vehicles.

The study, which was conducted by Underwriters Laboratories (UL) for DOE's National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), shows that 40 percent of new dispensing equipment designed for use with E10 (today's gasoline) failed tests, and 70 percent of previously used E10 equipment failed tests.

There also is a strong similarity between the materials used in aboveground equipment and underground storage tank systems, leading API to conclu... more »