Power equipment group's survey reveals need for consumer education

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute's (OPEI) annual survey acknowledges that consumers need to learn more about the fuel options for small engines. 

The OPEI acknowledges consumers are willing to learn about fuel options, but the information has not been provided to them, especially concerning ethanol. In addition, OPEI says that E10 is safe for use in motorcycles, lawn mowers, trimmers, boats and snowmobiles. Federal law prohibits use of higher ethanol fuel blends in outdoor power equipment.

“Farmers having a choices in fuels is a good thing whether you want cleaner air or because you like purchasing an American grown fuel or because higher blends of ethanol are frequently priced lower than gasoline," National Corn Growers Association CEO Chris Novak said. "The bottom line is that you should have the choice if you want to kick your oil addiction.”

The OPEI press release suggests that consumers do not have enough knowledge to know the difference between regular gasoline and higher ethanol blends like E-15 or E-85. Novak acknowledges that small engine manufacturers should work on developing engines that can run on higher blends safely instead of arguing "choice and change" and OPEI should instead offer consumers the information to make an educated decision in their choice of a clean and renewable fuel.