Campaign warning against ethanol in small engines ramps up again

In Virginia, in thousands of retail store aisles across the country and in spring preview circulars and catalogs, consumers will be told that it is harmful and illegal to use higher than 10 percent ethanol gas in any outdoor power equipment or other non-road product, such as boats, snowmobiles and motorcycles, with the exception of “flex-fuel” engine products. Independent dealers began using the ‘Look Before You Pump’ message in their stores in fall 2013.

Lowe’s and Walmart are supporting the educational program through in-store signage and circulars, and True Value Hardware will highlight the program on the back cover of its spring outdoor power catalog. Additionally, Scripps Networks Interactive’s DIY Network is supporting the program through social media promotion, custom research and in-show messaging.

Known by its emblematic prominent, red warning hand symbol indicating ‘OK’ for 10 percent ethanol and ‘No’ for mid-level ethanol blends (such as E15, E30, E85), the ‘Look Before You Pump’ campaign is spreading nationwide as ethanol blended fuels containing more than 10 percent ethanol are made available in the marketplace for “flex-fuel” automobiles.