UL, DOE Gather E85 Authorization Feedback, notes NCGA (11-2-06)

Underwriters Laboratories (UL) and the U.S. Department of Energy are holding hearings this week to gather more feedback on the development of authorization for E85 equipment, the National Corn Growers Association (NCGA) notes. The meetings, scheduled for Nov. 1-2 at the UL company headquarters outside of Chicago, will include representatives from oil companies, automakers, researchers and industry stakeholders.

NCGA Ethanol Committee Chairman Bruce Noel said it is the right step to continue to validate the safety of the alternative fuel pumps.

“It is important to continue to work on furthering the safety of E85 fueling stations, and we believe the Underwriters Laboratories and the Department of Energy will develop the proper certification guidelines to continue the safety record of E85 pumps,” Noel said. “It is important to continue the adoption of E85 stations, and we are hopeful that nothing will hamper the growth of the infrastructure progression.”

The meetings came about because of a recent withdrawal of authorization for UL-approved labels on parts used in E85 fuel pumps and concerns about possible higher rates of corrosion. According to the UL, the dispensers were modified from regular gasoline dispensers and were certified only for a maximum of 15 percent ethanol concentration.

Although not all states require UL approval of systems for ethanol equipment, Noel said many states have already been working on the adoption of rules and regulations and collaborating with state environmental agencies and fire marshals to ensure the safety of consumers.

Noel also noted there has been no recorded field incident, safety failure or corrosion report to date in the 1,000-plus E85 stations nationwide.