Arlington ABATE

Please remember, today is not a “happy” Memorial Day. Today is a day to pause and give thanks for those who gave their lives for our freedoms.

Save the Date… June 20th

Texas ABATE Confederation, Inc. Texas Abate Confederation, Inc. is a motorcycle rights organization that is dedicated to freedom of the road for all motorcyclists, promotes rider education for all motorcycle riders, motorcycle awareness for all automobile drivers, and fights discriminatory legislation aimed towards the motorcyclin...

The fight over higher ethanol fuel blends took a major step this week as the U.S. House of Representatives approved H.R. 1346, the Nationwide Consumer and Fuel Retailer Choice Act, by a vote of 218 to 203. The legislation would allow the year-round sale of E15 gasoline nationwide by removing current seasonal restrictions tied to federal smog regulations.

In last week’s Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) Legislative Update, we warned that the debate surrounding E15 was beginning to intensify on Capitol Hill. This week’s House action confirms that fuel policy will remain a major issue for motorcyclists moving forward.

Supporters of the legislation argue that expanding access to E15 gives consumers more fuel choices and may help reduce fuel prices. Opponents, however, continue to raise concerns about compatibility with existing vehicles and equipment, including motorcycles and other small-engine products not designed for higher ethanol blends.

While the House vote marks an important milestone for the legislation, the battle is far from over. The United States Senate must still consider the bill, where supporters will likely need 60 votes to advance the measure.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation remains committed to protecting rider access to safe and suitable fuel options. The MRF’s top priority in this debate continues to be ensuring the widespread availability of E10 or lower ethanol fuel blends for the motorcycles currently on America’s roads.

As Congress continues to debate the future of America’s fuel supply, the MRF will remain engaged with lawmakers and coalition partners to ensure the concerns of street riders are heard loud and clear in Washington, D.C.

Capitol Hill is once again the battleground for a growing debate over the future of America’s fuel supply, this time centered on whether to allow the year-round sale of E15 (a gasoline blend containing 15% ethanol) nationwide.

Currently, federal regulations restrict the sale of E15 during the summer months due to concerns related to emissions. However, in recent years, several states have been granted waivers or special allowances to permit the year-round sale of E15. What was once a limited exception is now being used as the foundation for a broader legislative push in Congress to make permanent, nationwide access to E15 a reality.

Supporters of the change point to potential cost savings at the pump and benefits for domestic ethanol producers. But for motorcyclists, the issue is far more complicated and concerning.

Most motorcycles on the road today are designed and tested to run on E10 fuel, a gasoline blend containing 10% ethanol. Higher ethanol blends, including E15, are not approved for use in many motorcycles and small-engine vehicles. The risks are well-documented: increased wear on engine components, fuel system damage, and in some cases, manufacturer warranties voided.

These are why the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF) is actively engaged in this fight.

A central pillar of the MRF’s legislative agenda is ensuring the continued, widespread availability of E10 fuel. As Congress considers expanding E15 sales, the MRF is working to make sure that motorcyclists are not pushed to the margins of the marketplace.

The concern is straightforward: as E15 becomes more prevalent, E10 could become harder to find. Without proper safeguards, riders may face fewer fueling options or an increased risk of inadvertently using incompatible fuel.

The MRF is urging lawmakers to take a balanced approach. Any legislation expanding E15 must also include provisions that guarantee access to E10, improve pump labeling, and prioritize consumer awareness, especially for those operating vehicles not designed for higher ethanol blends.

Each May, communities across the country come together to recognize Motorcycle Awareness Month, a time dedicated to promoting safety, awareness and respect for motorcyclists on America’s roadways. From city halls to state capitols and even the halls of the U.S. Congress, elected officials are once again passing resolutions that celebrate the contributions of motorcyclists and call attention to the importance of sharing the road.

Throughout the nation, local and state governments are adopting proclamations that highlight the freedom and community that motorcycling represents, while also emphasizing the responsibility all road users share in preventing crashes. At the federal level, members of Congress continue this tradition by introducing and supporting resolutions that recognize the millions of Americans who ride and the organizations that advocate on their behalf.

For the Motorcycle Riders Foundation (MRF), May holds even greater significance. Our annual Bikers Inside the Beltway event is intentionally scheduled during Motorcycle Awareness Month to harness this heightened visibility and engagement. By bringing riders directly to Washington, D.C., the MRF ensures that the voices of motorcyclists are heard when awareness is at its peak among lawmakers.

“Motorcycle Awareness Month provides a unique opportunity to elevate the issues that matter most to riders,” said MRF President Kirk “Hardtail” Willard. “That’s exactly why we chose May for Bikers Inside the Beltway, when policymakers are already focused on motorcycling, we make sure they’re also hearing directly from the people who live it every day.”

As proclamations are signed and resolutions are adopted, Motorcycle Awareness Month serves as both a celebration and a call to action. Motorists are reminded to remain vigilant, give riders a second look and understand that motorcycles are an integral part of the transportation landscape.

The Motorcycle Riders Foundation encourages all riders to participate in local awareness efforts and continue advocating for policies that protect the future of motorcycling nationwide.