Bill Overview
Title: Consumer Protection and Fuel Transparency Act of 2022
Description: This bill requires information to be provided to the public about the risks associated with the improper use of gasoline containing 15% ethanol by volume, commonly known as E 15 fuel, in certain vehicles, engines, and equipment. Specifically, the bill directs the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to revise labeling requirements for fuel pumps that dispense E 15 fuel, including by requiring the labels of such fuel pumps to include additional details. The labels must include warning information about vehicles, engines, and equipment (e.g., boats, lawn mowers, chain saws, motorcycles, snowmobiles, and pre-2001 model year vehicles) that are prohibited from using E 15. In addition, the EPA must implement a public education campaign concerning the risks associated with the improper use of E 15 fuel in such vehicles, engines, and equipment. The EPA must also withdraw the proposed rule titled E 15 Fuel Dispenser Labeling and Compatibility With Underground Storage Tanks.
Sponsors: Rep. Scott, Austin [R-GA-8]
Target Audience
Population: People using gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment potentially impacted by E 15 fuel
Estimated Size: 200000000
- The legislation affects consumers who potentially use E 15 fuel.
- This includes owners of vehicles, engines, and equipment that might be damaged by E 15 fuel, such as pre-2001 model year vehicles, boats, lawn mowers, chainsaws, motorcycles, and snowmobiles.
- The global population is vast, but the use of E 15 is mainly concentrated in certain countries like the US, Brazil, and some European countries.
- People who use gasoline for their vehicles and equipment form a major consumer base globally.
Reasoning
- The population mostly includes owners or frequent users of gasoline-powered vehicles and equipment that may be impacted by the policy.
- A large portion of the population may not be directly affected as they do not use E 15 fuel or relevant equipment.
- Since the general use of E 15 is not widespread among all gasoline users, the interviews reflect a range of impacts from 'none' to 'medium'.
- The policy's focus on educating the public and regulating labeling may gradually lead to increased awareness and informed choices, impacting wellbeing over time.
- Financial resources mostly go into the labeling changes and education campaign, considering the budget constraints.
Simulated Interviews
Farmer (Iowa)
Age: 55 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- It's good to see some effort in informing us about the risks associated with E 15 because using it unknowingly can be costly.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Environmental Scientist (California)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 2.0 years
Commonness: 10/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I think this policy is a practical step in the right direction. It's crucial to inform the public about fuel implications even as we progress towards greener options.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Construction Worker (Texas)
Age: 45 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 7.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've heard little about E 15, so having clear labeling will definitely help me make surer decisions when fueling my tools.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 4 |
Retired (Florida)
Age: 60 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This kind of information could really protect older vehicles like mine. I support any measures that safeguard my investments.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
College Student (New York)
Age: 25 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 8
Duration of Impact: 0.0 years
Commonness: 20/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I see this as a niche issue, not really impacting me since I hardly ever use a car or equipment that runs on gasoline.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 8 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 7 |
Boat Mechanic (Michigan)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- A lot of my work involves fixing mistakes from using the wrong kind of fuel—so this could help people avoid costly repairs.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 4 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
Tech Developer (Oregon)
Age: 40 | Gender: other
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 15/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I drive a hybrid and mostly ignore fuel-type details, but knowing more about E 15 could be useful eventually.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
Retired Mechanic (Arizona)
Age: 70 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I've seen a lot of changes over the years, and this seems like a reasonable precaution that should have positive long-term effects.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Ranch Manager (Montana)
Age: 35 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Knowing more about E 15 will definitely help in maintaining my equipment properly. It should decrease mistakes.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 8 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 4 |
College Student (Illinois)
Age: 20 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 4.0 years
Commonness: 12/20
Statement of Opinion:
- I'm starting to pay more attention to what goes into our machinery, so this policy would help me catch on faster.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $50000000 (Low: $40000000, High: $70000000)
Year 2: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 3: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 5: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 10: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Year 100: $20000000 (Low: $15000000, High: $25000000)
Key Considerations
- The effectiveness of public education campaigns can vary widely, impacting the realized benefits.
- Costs associated with changing labeling could be higher if compliance or production issues arise.
- The policy's success depends on consumer adherence to warnings and guidelines provided.