Response on 15% Ethanol

denis4x4

denis4x4

Well-known member
First off, this is not political as it relates directly to the care and feeding of Model A's. There have been several bulletins from SEMA on the damage that 15% ethanol can do to old cars as well as small engines. I wrote to my senator, Mark Udall, and received a reply that actually makes me think someone in DC might be paying attention.


Dear Dennis,

Thank you for contacting me regarding ethanol blends in gasoline. I appreciate hearing your views on this issue.
One of my top priorities in the U.S. Congress has been to reform our nation's outdated energy policies. As a member of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee in the U.S. Senate, I focus on these issues every day. I support a comprehensive energy plan that includes responsible drilling for oil and natural gas, expanding safe and secure nuclear power and fast-tracking renewable energy sources. The development of new vehicles that can run on fuel cells, natural gas and electricity, as well as new fuels such as cellulosic ethanol and other biofuels will help us reduce our dependence on foreign oil while creating jobs here at home.
I believe ethanol has an important role to play in improving our energy security; however, I also understand concerns about the challenges presented by increasing the amount of ethanol blended into gasoline. As you know, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) will allow the commercial sale of gasoline that contains up to 15 percent ethanol, otherwise known as E15. Though these mixtures are solely intended for specified vehicles, I understand the potential for accidentally fueling unapproved vehicles. The EPA is currently taking measures to avoid this kind of misfueling, and I will keep your concerns in mind as I monitor this issue. For further details outlining the EPA's policy, please visit its website: http://www.epa.gov/otaq/regs/fuels/additive/e15/.
I will continue to listen closely to what you and other Coloradans have to say about matters before Congress, the concerns of our communities, and the issues facing Colorado and the nation. My job is not merely about supporting or opposing legislation, but also about bridging the divide that has paralyzed our nation's politics. For more information about my positions and to learn how my office can assist you, please visit my website at www.markudall.senate.gov.

Warm regards,
 
In my opinion he was short on promises and long on rhetoric ! He basically said his favorite color is plaid. I am not impressed and I think you got a political reponse from one of his puppets ! It is anothing letter as far as I am concerned !!
Al
 
Dennis, Thanks for taking the time to write the letter.:)

Unfortunately I have to agree with luckyal's assessment of the reply.:mad:
I think we are stuck with a country run by special interest groups with no reguard to what's best for the economy and country, and most of all our antique cars and small engines.:mad:
 
Alaska also took the lead in Banning MTBE back in the day, fortunately before it poisoned us to badly and polluted the ground water. Nasty Stuff.

At least we never had to experiment with Ethanol here in the Interior.

Darryl in Fairbanks
 
I'm curious what special vehicles are designed to use E15?

I don't think either of my 2012 vehicles are approved for more than E-10 stock. I know some guys modify them to burn E85 for more power, but that's modified.


*** Just found out both are approved for up to 15%.
 
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Denis4X4, I'm afraid that you got one of those political responses. No definitive direction which way he will go.
 
luckyal said:
I have a 2013 Cadillac SRX and it plainly states that th euse of 15 % Ethanol will void my warranty.
Al
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My 2012 Chevy Sonic and 2012 Chevy Cruze both say you can use up to 15% in the owners manual.

I also looked in the manual of a 2013 Caddy SRX and found it also is approved for up to 15%. Luckyal where did you see 15% would void your warranty?

Page 9-58

http://www.cadillac.com/content/dam...os/03_pdf/2013-cadillac-srx-owners-manual.pdf

I understand, this discussion is regarding older vehicles but I wanted to add this as its obviously not incompatible with all vehicles.
 
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This response sounds so familiar!

They all probably have a Recipe Cookbook full of different responses that can be used to respond to us Peasant Citizens who have to depend on our now, sub-standard Peasant Social Security, & our now, sub-standard Government Peasant Mandated Healthcare which was jammed down our throats.

Looks like they all just send a reply covered with sugar that has as much logical substance as if their reply were drafted by Aunt Jemima on a Pancake Box.
 
H. L. Chauvin said:
This response sounds so familiar!

They all probably have a Recipe Cookbook full of different responses that can be used to respond to us Peasant Citizens who have to depend on our now, sub-standard Peasant Social Security, & our now, sub-standard Government Peasant Mandated Healthcare which was jammed down our throats.

Looks like they all just send a reply covered with sugar that has as much logical substance as if their reply were drafted by Aunt Jemima on a Pancake Box.
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I've written a few letters to lawmakers and the responses that I get are pathetic. You send a letter about not requiring emissions for cars more than 50 years old and you receive a response, #1134b, that they are working on legislation for clean environment and reduced emissions.
They don't even read some of them.
 
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I got it from the dealer. He said up to 15 % and when I said 15 % is okay, the response was up to 15 %. I will get the owners manual and see what is written in there.
Al
 
Ross/Kzoo said:
Denis4X4, I'm afraid that you got one of those political responses. No definitive direction which way he will go.
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This will be the 17th response to this thread. How many of the other 15 posters took the time to write their legislators?

Have made a decent living creating boilerplate letters that say nothing and mean even less, I'm well aware that this is a pat on the head. On the other hand, Mark Udall now knows that I'm concerned about this issue. How many of you have made your thoughts known to your senator and/or congressman?
 
Dennis,

1. Concerning 15% ethanol, no doubt you should be very highly commended for writing your letter & even thanked for sharing the reply. Thanks!

2. In post #17 you definitely hit the head of the nail that not nearly enough letters are sent to Congress. Just accepting 15% ethanol whereby our "new" cars will have no warranties shows how we could care less.

3. Post #3 hints on how 15% ethanol requirements are confirmed -- lobbyist & special interest groups? The un-markded white envelopes handed over by lobbyist are never empty?

4. Many of the above replies share the contents of responses from Congressmen; however, like you just did, I have to admit that I still write Congress often & still get canned boiler plate responses; however, with email, started trying a new twist by sending cc's of my letters to about 200 or so email addresses with a note to forward same if one agrees.

5. Got quite a few favorable responses from cc'd individuals -- will it work? Maybe not; however, like you, I do not give up & will never give up.

6. In my opinion, I look at our writing Congress about banning 15% ethanol, (with cc'd copies to individuals), just like sharing suggestions on this Forum -- it is not that our writings are meant to be purely political, we are just suggesting to our Congressmen how they can logically better tune up & better overhaul the mechanics of the system.

Thanks again for sharing your sincere opinion on 15% ethenol.
 
Denis4x4 With all due respect ! Do you really think Mr. Mark Udall ever saw your letter or that he gives a damn what you think or care about. That is not how the political system works. He votes how his party instructs him to vote and your letter does not mean a thing unless you are a major contributor to his party. Sorry to burst your bubble but to think he read your letter is a thought from lala land !

Al
 
luckyal said:
Denis4x4 With all due respect ! Do you really think Mr. Mark Udall ever saw your letter or that he gives a damn what you think or care about. That is not how the political system works. He votes how his party instructs him to vote and your letter does not mean a thing unless you are a major contributor to his party. Sorry to burst your bubble but to think he read your letter is a thought from lala land !

Al
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See my personal email to you.
 
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