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Issue link: https://read.dmtmag.com/i/74170
INDUSTRY NEWS OPEI issues warning over EPA's E15 ruling THE OUTDOOR POWER EQUIPMENT INSTITUTE (OPEI) issued a warning June 18 that the ruling by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), providing its approval of the sale of 15-percent ethanol (E15) into the U.S. consumer marketplace for automobiles made since 2001, is dangerous. The government's test results that show E15 is harmful to outdoor power equipment, boats and marine engines, and other non- road engine products. The fuel used for automobiles and other engine products would have to be divided, substantially increasing the risk for misfueling, significant engine damage and consumer hazard. "For the first time in American history, fuel used for some automobiles may no longer be safe for any non-road products. It may, in fact, destroy or damage generators, chain saws, utility vehicles, lawn mowers, boats and marine engines, snowmobiles, motorcycles, ATVs, and more," said Kris Kiser, president and CEO of the OPEI, one of the industry groups who has been sending warnings to the federal government about E15. In September 2011, members of the Engine Products Group (EPG) — OPEI, National Marine Manufacturers Association, Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers and Global Automakers — filed a formal legal challenge to EPA's E15 partial waiver decision. The EPG asked the DC Circuit Court of Appeals to reverse the E15 waiver decision. The decision on this matter is expected to be issued at any time by the court. "EPA purports to educate tens of millions of Americans using hundreds of millions of engine products, asserting it will educate these users with a 3-inch-by-3-inch pump label," added Kiser. "It's frighteningly inadequate." Many times OPEI has pointed out that the EPA's prior experience with the introduction of new fuels shows that labeling alone is insufficient to prevent misfueling. As the EPA led the transition to unleaded fuels, the Agency reported a misfueling rate of nearly 15 percent almost 10 years after the introduction of unleaded gasoline, and even with a physical barrier at the pumps. 8 American Red Cross volunteers and Briggs & Stratton CEO Todd Teske (pictured carting a generator) unload a nearly $1-million donation of generators and pressure washers to meet disaster needs nationwide. More than 1,300 generators and pressures washers are being delivered to 183 American Red Cross chapters nationwide in preparation for severe weather and the start of the 2012 hurricane season. Briggs & Stratton strikes ahead of hurricanes BRIGGS & STRATTON CORPORATION and the American Red Cross announced May 29 that Briggs & Stratton will deliver nearly $1 million of donated generators and pressure washers to 183 American Red Cross chapters nationwide, allowing areas prone to hurricanes, tornadoes and other severe weather to be ready for recovery efforts before disasters hit. The announcement came just three days before the 2012 hurricane season started June 1. "Briggs & Stratton's donation of generators and pressure washers will help our chapters all over the country prepare for and respond to disasters by providing tools our teams can use to be ready to deliver critical services," said Jerry DeFrancisco, president, humanitarian services of the American Red Cross. "The key to disaster relief is rapid deployment of assistance, and Briggs & Stratton's generous contribution will help us meet immediate electricity needs after power outages and greatly enhance and quicken cleanup efforts. Briggs & Stratton has been providing durable, reliable products for over 100 years, and we are grateful for this." The Briggs & Stratton contribution includes nearly 850 5500W Storm Responder generators and more than 480 pressure washers. The equipment is already arriving at American Red Cross chapters in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Texas, South Carolina, Virginia, and San Juan, Puerto Rico. An additional fall shipment will go to chapters in New York, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Hampshire and more. "We are proud to join with the American Red Cross and its incredible team of 650,000 volunteers to provide them with this outdoor power equipment that will be quickly accessible to help people in the event of severe weather," said Todd Teske, chairman, president & CEO of Briggs & Stratton Corporation. "We have a history of teaming with the American Red Cross through volunteer efforts and contributions, and we are proud to expand upon that relationship with this effort. Today's announcement builds upon our commitment to our communities and helps ensure our equipment will be there well in advance of severe weather. Briggs & Stratton and the American Red Cross are joining together to get ahead of the storm." The equipment contribution was announced in Milwaukee, Wis., home of Briggs & Stratton and the American Red Cross in Southeastern Wisconsin, one of the chapter recipients. The partnership is part of the American Red Cross Annual Disaster Giving Program. 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