In an effort to prohibit the availability of E15, a gasoline formulation that contains up to 15 percent ethanol by volume, the American Motorcyclist Association (AMA) has announced its support of U.S. Rep. Bob Goodlatte’s (R-Va.) H.R. 1462, the RFS Reform Act of 2013.

The bipartisan bill would amend the Renewable Fuel Standard to recognize market conditions and realities. It would also prohibit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from allowing the introduction into the marketplace of gasoline containing greater than 10 percent of ethanol by volume. In other words, E15 would no longer be permitted if this legislation becomes law.

The AMA has repeatedly expressed concerns to government officials and federal lawmakers about possible damage to motorcycle and all-terrain vehicle engines caused by the inadvertent use of E15 when the new fuel becomes widely available.

In October 2010, the EPA approved E15 for use in model year 2007 and newer light-duty vehicles (cars, light-duty trucks and medium-duty passenger vehicles). In January 2011, it added model year 2001-2006 light-duty vehicles to the approved list.

This new legislation would help protect the 22 million motorcycle and ATVs in the country – and the riders who depend on their safe operation – from inadvertent misfueling, according to the association.

"Preventing these inadvertent misfuelings has been one of the AMA’s top priorities due to the fact that motorcycles and ATVs aren’t designed to run on ethanol fuel blends higher than 10 percent, and many older machines favored by vintage enthusiasts may have problems with any ethanol in the fuel," said an AMA spokesperson. "In fact, simply using fuel with blends of ethanol over 10 percent could void a vehicle manufacturer’s warranty, potentially leaving motorcyclists with thousands of dollars in additional repair costs."

To help pass H.R. 1462, the AMA asks industry members to send a prewritten email to their representatives by clicking here.