The US Environmental Protection Agency has given approval to a new label which will permit the retail of a new fuel on forecourts across the States.
After a long draw-out debate over whether to approve the fuel, known as E15, the Agency confirmed the new label which retailers will need to use on fuel pumps containing the gasoline mixed fuel containing between 10 and 15 per cent ethanol.
The new orange and black label is designed to identify the new fuel at gas stations and inform owners of vehicles older than model year 2001 that it is not suitable for use and is also not suited for motorcycles, watercraft, and gasoline-powered equipment such as lawnmowers and chainsaws. 
Some car makers and environmental groups have opposed the new fuel, raising concerns about the fuel’s safety within cars and over the ecological impact of ethanol production.
The Automotive Alliance which represents a group of 12 mainstream car makers including BMW, Ford and GM issued this statement on its website after the fuel gained full EPA approval: ‘The Alliance is still reviewing the announcement, but we have no reason to believe that EPA has adequately addressed the concerns that the Alliance and others have raised for months now related to the adequacy of testing. Consumers should continue to consult their owners’ manuals for information regarding the appropriate fuel for their vehicles.
Any new fuel’s success depends on how it’s accepted by consumers, and automakers still have concerns on behalf of our customers. We believe more research is needed to determine how increased ethanol levels could affect vehicles that were designed and warranted for E10. ‘
Car manufacturers have twice filed suit challenging approval of use for the fuel. It is not clear yet whether the companies will challenge the labelling regulation. The new fuel should otherwise appear at US gas stations from later this year.
