Capitol Hill is once again the battleground for a growing debate over the future of America’s fuel supply, this time centered on whether to allow the year-round sale of E15 (a gasoline blend containing 15% ethanol) nationwide.
Currently, federal regulations restrict the sale of E15 during the summer months due to concerns related to emissions. However, in recent years, several states have been granted waivers or special allowances to permit the year-round sale of E15. What was once a limited exception is now being used as the foundation for a broader legislative push in Congress to make permanent, nationwide access to E15 a reality.
Supporters of the change point to potential cost savings at the pump and benefits for domestic ethanol producers. But for motorcyclists, the issue is far more complicated and concerning.
Most motorcycles on the road today are designed and tested to run on E10 fuel, a gasoline blend containing 10% ethanol. Higher ethanol blends, including E15, are not approved for use in many motorcycles and small-engine vehicles. The risks are well-documented: increased wear on engine components, fuel system damage, and in some cases, manufacturer warranties voided.
These are why the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is actively engaged in this fight.
A central pillar of the MRF’s legislative agenda is ensuring the continued, widespread availability of E10 fuel. As Congress considers expanding E15 sales, the MRF is working to make sure that motorcyclists are not pushed to the margins of the marketplace.
The concern is straightforward: as E15 becomes more prevalent, E10 could become harder to find. Without proper safeguards, riders may face fewer fueling options or an increased risk of inadvertently using incompatible fuel.
The MRF is urging lawmakers to take a balanced approach. Any legislation expanding E15 must also include provisions that guarantee access to E10, improve pump labeling, and prioritize consumer awareness, especially for those operating vehicles not designed for higher ethanol blends.
