OPEI Issues Statement on Expansion of E15 Sales to Year-Round Announcement by President Trump

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Oct. 9, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing more than 100 small engine, utility vehicle, and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers, issues the following statement in response to today's announcement by U.S. President Donald Trump to expand the sale of gasoline containing 15 percent ethanol (E15) to year-round.

"We will continue to advise consumers and professional users of outdoor power equipment to 'Look Before You Pump' as E15 gasoline sales expand to year-round across the country," said Kris Kiser, OPEI President and CEO.

"With E15 sales expanding to year-round, it's more important than ever for consumers to educate themselves about fuel choices today and to pay attention to what fuels you put in your lawn mower, generator, chainsaw, trimmer, UTV or other small engine product."

Outdoor power equipment is not designed, built or warranted to run on fuel containing 15 percent ethanol. "It can damage or destroy equipment," said Kiser. Consumers are advised to read their owners manuals for guidance on correctly fueling their outdoor power equipment products, but "should be generally aware that only fuels containing 10 percent or less ethanol should be used," he said.

"As the fuels marketplace has changed, you can no longer count on being able to put the same fuel in your mower that you also use in your car or truck," he said.

Along with boat, snowmobile, motorcycle, automobile and other manufacturers, OPEI has long advised and educated consumers about the changing fuels marketplace, with mid-level ethanol blends being introduced for a subset of the automobile fleet. Mid-level ethanol fuels are not for use in non-road products, such as mowers, chainsaws, generators, UTVs, ATVs, boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and other outdoor power equipment.

"It is unfortunate our government is not willing to invest in stronger education for consumers about fueling choices. The small warning stickers placed on fuel pumps are not enough to prevent mis-fueling and do little to educate consumers. Consumers need to be vigilant year round when it comes to fueling their outdoor power equipment and remember that E10 or less is always best," said Kiser.

For more information, visit www.lookbeforeyoupump.com.  

ABOUT OPEI
The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) is an international trade association representing more than 100 power equipment, engine and utility vehicle manufacturers and suppliers. OPEI is the advocacy voice of the industry, and a recognized Standards Development Organization for the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and active internationally through the International Standards Organization (ISO) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC) in the development of safety and performance standards. OPEI is managing partner of GIE+EXPO, the industry's annual international trade show, and the creative force behind the environmental education program, TurfMutt.com. OPEI-Canada represents members on a host of issues, including recycling, emissions and other regulatory developments across the Canadian provinces.

Media contacts:
Ami Neiberger-Miller, Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, 703-887-4877, ami@fourleafpr.com
Debbi Mayster, Four Leaf PR on behalf of OPEI, 240-988-6243, debbi@fourleafpr.com

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SOURCE Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI)