Lucky_Phill
21-09-2003, 12:24 PM
The Hon. Dr David KemP MP
Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Mr Peter Dutton MP
Member for Dickson
I refer to your recent representation on behalf of Mr Peter Boyd of Albany Creek about the impact #of ethanol fuel products on outboard motors.
You will be aware that the Government has conducted extensive testing to determine the impacts of higher ethanol blends on automotive engines. I have set a 10 per cent limit for the blend of ethanol in-petrol and after initial results of tests on vehicle engines suggested that blends of 20 per cent ethanol were not suitable for a portion of Australia's vehicle fleet.
The Government has conducted testing on the impact of both 10 and 20 per cent ethanol blended fuels on non-automotive engines, including a common 15-horse power Mercury outboard engine. I have attached copies of two reports detailing the results of this testing.
Testing on the 15-horse power Mercury outboard engine revealed that stalling may occur when the throttle is opened from low speed with higher ethanol blends, creating a possible safety hazard. #Even with a 10 per cent blend, some effects on parts and operation were detected, and a number of marine motor manufacturers advise against use of even low ethanol blends.
It is for this reason that, in the absence of action by most States to require labelling under fair trading laws, I am taking steps to require the mandatory labelling of ethanol blends. I have introduced legislation into the Parliament that will allow me to require labelling of fuels, including #their suitability for particular types of engines. As soon as Parliament passes that legislation I will take steps to require mandatory labelling of ethanol blends.
Further information on the Government's testing of, ethanol blends is available at:
www.ea.gov.au/atmosphere/transporVfuel/ethanol/index.html.
Yours sincerely
DAVID KEMP \
Parliament House, Canberra 2600 Australia
Good research Peter. #We should all be informed on what fuel we are using, and if unsure, ask the Servo operator.
peterbo3 #c/- Phill
Minister for the Environment and Heritage
Mr Peter Dutton MP
Member for Dickson
I refer to your recent representation on behalf of Mr Peter Boyd of Albany Creek about the impact #of ethanol fuel products on outboard motors.
You will be aware that the Government has conducted extensive testing to determine the impacts of higher ethanol blends on automotive engines. I have set a 10 per cent limit for the blend of ethanol in-petrol and after initial results of tests on vehicle engines suggested that blends of 20 per cent ethanol were not suitable for a portion of Australia's vehicle fleet.
The Government has conducted testing on the impact of both 10 and 20 per cent ethanol blended fuels on non-automotive engines, including a common 15-horse power Mercury outboard engine. I have attached copies of two reports detailing the results of this testing.
Testing on the 15-horse power Mercury outboard engine revealed that stalling may occur when the throttle is opened from low speed with higher ethanol blends, creating a possible safety hazard. #Even with a 10 per cent blend, some effects on parts and operation were detected, and a number of marine motor manufacturers advise against use of even low ethanol blends.
It is for this reason that, in the absence of action by most States to require labelling under fair trading laws, I am taking steps to require the mandatory labelling of ethanol blends. I have introduced legislation into the Parliament that will allow me to require labelling of fuels, including #their suitability for particular types of engines. As soon as Parliament passes that legislation I will take steps to require mandatory labelling of ethanol blends.
Further information on the Government's testing of, ethanol blends is available at:
www.ea.gov.au/atmosphere/transporVfuel/ethanol/index.html.
Yours sincerely
DAVID KEMP \
Parliament House, Canberra 2600 Australia
Good research Peter. #We should all be informed on what fuel we are using, and if unsure, ask the Servo operator.
peterbo3 #c/- Phill