The Wall Street Journal this morning reported that the Biden administration will allow high-ethanol gasoline, or E15, to be sold during the summer months as a way to lower fuel prices.
According to BoatU.S., E15 gasoline — fuel blended with 15 percent ethanol — is prohibited by federal law for use in boat engines and voids many engine warranties.
The organization also reported that labeling at land-based fuel stations can be confusing, leading to boaters mistakenly pumping the incorrect gas.
Under President Trump, the Environmental Protection Agency moved to permanently allow summertime sales of E15 but was struck down in court.
Ethanol in gasoline is a problem for boats due in part to phase-separation. When moisture is introduced to an on-board fuel tank because of variations in temperature, it binds with the ethanol and settles as sludge in the bottom of the tank. Ethanol has also been known to be corrosive to metal fuel tanks and engine components.
