Page 6. MAINE COASTAL NEWS March 2011 Waterfront News HIGHER ETHANOL HANDICAPS BOATS
CHICAGO—Just as the public may be forced to buy health insurance, boaters may be forced to purchase fuel containing 15% etha- nol and 85% gasoline (E15), found harmful to marine and car engines that are older than 2001. Fuel generated from corn that contains a level of ethanol higher than E10 is consid- ered unsafe for marine engines. As the de- mand for renewable energy leads to a push for more corn in fuels that would replace the present, low-ethanol fuels, many boat en- gines would be handicapped and unable to use these fuels. Will the government turn its back on boating by limiting the availability of low-ethanol fuels in gas stations? Boating in America flourished during the last century, leading 18 million citizens to purchase boats. Many people from all eco- nomic strata now own boats, unique, afford- able instruments for fun and the enjoyment of freedom. With the exception of Pres. George H. W. Bush, who imposed an unheard-of excise tax on large boats in 1989, no sector of any government, federal or local, has ever picked on boating by imposing any harsh regulations, property taxes or roadblocks that would yank the joy out of it. But with the present administration, things have begun to change. The ethanol lobby is getting preferential treatment from a government that used to be friendly and accommodating to boating. In response to the federal government’s recent actions con- cerning the increased amounts of ethanol that will be in gasoline available for purchase, a federal lawsuit was filed challenging the administration’s position to not allow the availability of low-percentage ethanol fuels. The National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), representing recre- ational boating, brought this lawsuit to the
U.S. Court of Appeals. It is pursuing this challenge as part of a newly-formed coalition called the Engine Products Group, which includes the Outdoor Power Equipment Insti- tute, the Alliance of Automobile Manufac- turers and the Association of Global Auto- mobile Manufacturers, to protest and over- rule a lack of access to fuels with low ethanol content. From misfiring to running at high temperatures, boat engines appear to suffer from severe damage from E15. A negative ruling on this appeal could seal the fate of millions of existing boat engines that would become destined for ruin.
The list of how high-grade ethanol (E15 and above) can harm marine engines is well- known. For marine and other small, gasoline- powered engines that are designed, cali- brated, and certified to run on no more than E10, higher concentrations of ethanol in fuel pose serious problems, including (1) perfor- mance issues, such as drivability; (2) in- creased water absorption and phase separa- tion of gasoline and water in the gas tank; (3) fuel tank corrosion, leading to oil/fuel leaks; (4) increased emissions; (5) damage to valves, push rods, rubber fuel lines and gas- kets. All of these concerns raise significant issues, particularly for boaters who operate in harsh marine environments, often miles from shore.
On Jan. 21, the U.S. Environmental Pro- tection Agency announced a waiver that allows E10 to E15 to be used in model year 2001 and newer light-duty motor vehicles, according to its web site,
www.epa.gov/ otaq/regs/fuels/additive/e15/#wn. A properly-worded EPA warning label is being readied to be affixed on fuel-dispens- ing nozzle, that will warn that marine and off- road engines, including marine engines and
car models older than 2001, should not use this fuel. Where one would find gas stations that offer lower ethanol fuels, including E10, remains unknown. Small fishing or trailerable boats would be at the highest risk, as boaters with these craft are more likely to refuel with E15 at local filling stations and may not realize that this could harm their engines. In con- trast, individuals who refuel larger boats at marina fuel docks will presumably find ma- rine-grade fuel there.
Ethanol producers will have an in-
Gulf of Maine Research Institute Appoints New Board Members
PORTLAND — The Gulf of Maine Research Institute recently appointed the following to its board of directors: Steven X. Cadrin, associate professor at the University of Massachusetts School for Marine Science and Technology; Eliot R. Cutler of Cape Elizabeth; Corson Ellis, founder and chairman of Kepware Technologies; David T. Lawrence of Chestnut Hill, MA; Pendred E. Noyce of Weston, MA; and Peter A. Vail, director of fresh foods at Hannaford Bros. Co.
John N. Kelly, partner at Kelly, Remmel & Zimmerman was named chair. Kimberly Gorton, president and chief operating officer of Slade Gorton & Co. was named vice chair. Joan M. Smith, CPA, principal at Baker Newman Noyes, was named treasurer. Thomas S. Hanson, partner at Bernstein, Shur, Sawyer and Nelson, was named secretary.
The Gulf of Maine Research Institute (GMRI) catalyzes solutions to the complex challenges of ocean stewardship and economic growth in the Gulf of Maine bioregion. Its dynamic fusion of science, education, and community provides range to effect change from multiple directions, while its objectivity and commitment to collaboration make it the go-to organization for marine communities grappling with contentious issues, management transitions, and new business systems. GMRI is making a long-term investment in science literacy as the cornerstone of a 21st century ocean economy by providing programs to ignite the curiosity, ambition, innovation, and problem-solving potential of Maine’s next generation. Visit
www.gmri.org.
creased demand for corn, and the resulting benefits to corn growers at the expense of boaters ignore the crippling damage that E15 could inflict on boating.
“The recreational boating industry con- tributes $30 billion annually to the American economy. Ethanol is believed to be only half that, at $15 billion. The government is missing the boat,” said F. Ned Dikmen, chairman of the Great Lakes Boating Federation, advo- cacy voice for 4.3 million boaters.
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