Groups representing small engine, automakers and marine manufacturers announced a formal legal challenge to regulations and labeling proposed for the use of 15% ethanol blends (E15) in older model vehicles.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute (OPEI) and other organizations object to the Environmental Protection Agency’s “Regulation to Mitigate Misfueling” rule and labeling proposal meant to address concerns about improper use of E15, calling them “completely inadequate to protect consumers and avoid potential misfueling and damage to millions of legacy products not designed to run on any ethanol fuel higher than E10.”

Officials with the Renewable Fuels Association dismissed the groups’ new litigation, which would prevent EPA from finalizing a consumer label for the proper use of E15 in cars, pickups, and SUVs model year 2001 and newer.

“EPA’s label more than adequately informs consumers as to the proper use of E15,” responded RFA. “Similar labeling, such as for the use of E85 ethanol fuel, have been around for years without incident. In fact, since the adoption of the E85 label, we are not aware of any gas station being found liable for misfueling. EPA’s E15 label is far more descriptive as to the approved uses for E15 and eliminates the guess work for consumers. We believe the American motoring public will be quite capable of determining if E15 is right for their vehicles.”

RFA notes that the groups are already suing EPA over the decision that allows E15 to be used.