E15 Is Not a Suitable Fuel for Marine Engines

WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 3, 2011– On Wednesday, Mr. David Hilbert testified before Congress on behalf of NMMA to address concerns about E15 and marine engines. Mr. Hilbert, thermodynamic development engineer for Mercury Marine, a division of the Brunswick Corporation, participated in a Congressional hearing before the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment of the House Committee on Science, Space and Technology. The subcommittee invited a number of specialists to testify on E15 and its effects. Mr. Hilbert led the research on E15 and its effects on marine engines as reported by the Department of Energy in reports released in late October.

Mr. Hilbert’s testimony highlighted the damaging effects that E15 has on marine engines, and noted that more testing is needed to further identify how E15 will affect engines and fuel systems under various conditions. Mercury’s testing showed significant problems with outboard engines, including severe damage to engine components and an increase in exhaust emissions, reinforcing the recreational boating industry’s concern that E15 is not a suitable fuel for marine engines.

 

The Subcommittee heard testimony from representatives of the EPA, the American Petroleum Institute, Gevo, the Energy Biosciences Institute, the University of Wyoming Institute of Environment and Natural Resources and the National Petrochemical & Refiners Association. Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris (R-MD), received David’s testimony favorably and the committee members had no questions for Mr. Hilbert after the research was presented. The testimony and accompanying photos will be printed in the official record of the hearing.

 

NMMA President Thom Dammrich says, “We are pleased that Congress has shown an ongoing interest in this important research. NMMA is committed to continued research on E15 and its effects on marine engines. We hope that before any E15 is offered to the public, a thorough investigation will be completed so that boaters can safely fuel their vessels without incident now, and in the future.”
For questions or media inquiries please contact Lauren Dunn at 202-280-6928 or ldunn@nmma.org.

 

 

National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA) is the leading association representing the recreational boating industry in North America. NMMA member companies produce more than 80 percent of the boats, engines, trailers, accessories and gear used by boaters and anglers throughout the U.S. and Canada. The association is dedicated to industry growth through programs in public policy advocacy, market statistics and research, product quality assurance and promotion of the boating lifestyle. For more information visit www.nmma.org.