ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI), an international trade association representing more than 100 small engine, utility vehicle, and outdoor power equipment manufacturers and suppliers, issues the following statement advising consumers and professional users of outdoor power equipment to “Look Before You Pump” as E15 gasoline sales resume across the country.

“As E15 re-enters the marketplace following the summertime ban, consumers are again advised to ‘Look Before You Pump.’ Outdoor power equipment is not designed, built or warranted to run on fuel containing 15 percent ethanol – it can damage or destroy equipment. Consumers are advised to read their owners manuals for guidance on correctly fueling their products, but should be generally aware that only fuels containing 10 percent or less ethanol should be used,” says Kris Kiser, OPEI President and CEO.

“OPEI, along with the non-road community of boat, snowmobile, motorcycle and other manufacturers, has long advised and educated consumers about a changing fuels marketplace, with mid-level ethanol blends being introduced for a subset of the automobile fleet. These mid-level ethanol fuels are not for use in non-road product, such as mowers, chainsaws, generators, UTVs, ATVs, boats, snowmobiles, motorcycles, and other outdoor power equipment,” Kiser says. “Until Congress resolves longstanding challenges with the Renewable Fuel Standard and marketplace realities, these uncertainties will continue to exist.”

For more information, visit www.lookbeforeyoupump.com.