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Progress update on E85 fuel-dispensing equipment requirements -- January 2007

This provides an update on the progress made by Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL) on addressing safety and environmental concerns associated with dispensing equipment used with E85 fuel blends. As announced on Oct. 5, 2006, UL suspended authorization for manufacturers to use UL Markings (Listing or Recognition) on components for fuel-dispensing devices that specifically reference compatibility with alcohol-blended fuels that contain greater than 15 percent alcohol (i.e. ethanol, methanol or other alcohols). For your reference, the complete Oct. 5, 2006, announcement is available at http://www.ul.com/gasandoil/ethanol.html.

In November 2006, UL provided authorities having jurisdiction a summary of UL's immediate actions following the suspension, along with answers to frequently asked questions about E85 compatibility with fuel-dispensing devices.

Since November 2006, UL has been very active is pursuing a solution, and a summary of our activities is described below:

E85 technical forum at UL headquarters

On Nov. 1 and 2, 2006, UL hosted a technical forum at its Northbrook, Ill., headquarters with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) that featured 32 national experts. Forum participants engaged in an in-depth technical discussion and shared anecdotal information regarding E85 material compatibility.

As a result, UL received information on the subject from 12 organizations. Unfortunately, not all of the information was substantiated with technical data or related to material compatibility testing protocols for E85 dispensers. Some of the information also contained contradictory conclusions about the suitability of certain materials when exposed to alcohol blends. We are taking all of this information into account, and are actively undertaking additional research and outreach pursuant to developing effective safety requirements for E85 fuel dispensers. A summary of the meeting is available at http://www.ul.com/gasandoil/E85ForumSummary.pdf.

At present, UL is undertaking the following actions to address the E85 dispensing concerns.

Running tests to gather data

UL is finalizing test parameters that will provide the scientific data needed to develop effective safety requirements. This includes determining an appropriate test duration to properly assess the potential degradation of materials from exposure to E85 in as short an exposure time as is practical. We will also be harvesting products from the field and conducting tests on those products to determine the effects of ethanol fuels on selected materials. UL has a strong commitment to undertaking testing as soon as possible. UL will launch these test programs in early 2007.

Ongoing outreach and information gathering

UL will continue to contact and visit technical experts and other industry stakeholders to gather information currently available in the market.

UL is establishing an "Ethanol Technical Panel" of technical experts from around the world and across industries with expertise in ethanol material compatibility.

Site inspections

In order to gather field data, UL's Regulatory Services staff will be conducting field inspections of E85 refueling stations in U.S. and Brazilian markets. This will give UL real-life data related to the equipment, materials, maintenance and failure history, and allow us to evaluate field experience in mature ethanol markets, such as Brazil.

Initial U.S. inspections are being coordinated with authorities having jurisdiction from municipalities in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan and Illinois. Site inspections have already begun, should continue for the next few months and may include inspections in additional states. Inspections in Brazil will take place in early February 2007.

While there have been no reported safety issues related to UL Listed or Recognized components used with E85 fuel blends, UL remains committed to developing the appropriate safety requirements that will adequately address long-term safety concerns.

If you have questions or concerns regarding E85, please feel free to contact one of the following staff members:

Bob James
Tampa, Fla.
Phone: +1-800-595-9844
Direct: +1-813-956-8669

Howard Hopper
San Jose, Calif.
Phone: +1-800-595-9844
Direct: +1-408-754-6609

Al Ramirez
Northbrook, Ill.
Phone: +1-800-595-9844
Direct: +1-847-664-2905

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If you have an immediate question or need assistance, please contact Regulatory Services.