WASHINGTON, DC – There is no shortage of legislative proposals addressing ethanol blends in the nation’s capital. So far in the 114th Congress alone, there have been 16 different measures that would address the use of ethanol blends in fuel. Last week’s activity added one more to the tally, the “Food and Fuel Consumer Protection Act of 2016” H.R.5180.
Introduced by Congressman Bill Flores from Texas, the proposal would institute a cap on the ethanol content in fuel. Presumably, the bill would stop what many are concerned about; an uncomfortable creep towards a higher content of ethanol in gasoline, which could have the effect of voiding many motorcycle warranties. However, it is unclear what the proposal’s chances of passage are, especially given a number of other pending measures that aim to do the exact opposite (see the REFUEL Act, H.R. 4773). What is certain, is that the issue of ethanol in fuel is controversial and will not be easily solved.
The position of the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), instead of being "pro" or "anti" ethanol, has been one of concern about the effect of higher ethanol content in fuel. The MRF seeks to strike a balance between the various opposing federal bills; instead calling for a policy that emphasizes research on ethanol blends. Encouraging new research, specifically targeted towards motorcycle engines as well as the effect on internal combustion, could help alleviate the concerns of motorcycle riders, as well as motorcycle manufacturers.
Current discussions taking place in the halls of Congress can be used as an opportunity to learn more about the short and long term effects of ethanol on small motors, as well as open a dialogue with the manufacturers of motorcycles, to better understand their concerns in using a higher ethanol content in motorcycle fuel systems.
About Motorcycle Riders Foundation
The Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) provides leadership at the federal level for states’ motorcyclists’ rights organizations as well as motorcycle clubs and individual riders. The MRF is chiefly concerned with issues at the national and international levels that impact the freedom and safety of American street motorcyclists. The MRF is committed to being a national advocate for the advancement of motorcycling and its associated lifestyle and works in conjunction with its partners to help educate elected officials and policymakers in Washington and beyond.
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