AAA takes wrong turn on E15

Ethanol blender pump near Baltic, SD.

In a disappointing press piece yesterday from AAA, the travel company advised fuel regulators to suspend the sale of E15 fuel to consumers across the country. AAA’s reasons included that the fuel may confuse consumers and that it would void certain auto warranties.

This shameful article forgot to mention that E15 is the most highly tested fuel in history (6 million miles over 3 years) with all results proving it to be safe for cars and light trucks 2001 or newer according to the EPA. A study from the engine manufacturer Ricardo Inc. showed the blend to be safe for vehicles dating back to 1994. Even studies from Big Oil show no engine “breakdowns” from the blend.

So does AAA have any evidence of damage to a vehicle’s engine due to the blend E15? Nope, and the fuel retailers selling the new, renewable blend have had zero word of any trouble either. In fact, retailers in South Dakota and other states are excited about making the new blend available, providing a financial savings for their customers.

When talking about warranties, AAA failed to research which vehicle makes and years have been approved for E15, and even published an incorrect infographic on their website.

Last but not least, the whole idea of E15 is to give consumers an additional choice when it comes to the fuel they purchase. A choice to use a more renewable fuel, that reduces air pollution, creates new American jobs and decreases the country’s dependence on foreign oil.