The OPEI, a non-profit trade association that represents manufacturers and their suppliers of consumer and commercial outdoor power equipment, has announced the "Look Before You Pump' campaign.

The Outdoor Power Equipment Institute announced a national ethanol education and consumer protection campaign, Look Before You Pump, at their annual trade conference, GIE+EXPO. This campaign urgently cautions consumers about the use of higher than 10 percent ethanol gas in any outdoor power equipment.

Research has shown that small engines, such as mowers, chain saws, snow throwers, and more are not designed to handle higher ethanol blends of gasoline. In many instances engines are not only destroyed, but warranties are voided as well.

As an advocate for consumers the OPEI, with Harris Interactive conducted an online survey (Sept. 2013), which showed 71 percent of Americans are not sure if it is illegal or legal to put higher levels ethanol gas into outdoor power equipment engines.

The "Look Before You Pump' campaign will reach consumers through radio and video public service announcements (PSA), fact sheets, in-store displays, labeling and product hang-tags. A prominent, red warning hand indicating "OK' for 10 percent ethanol and "No' for mid-level ethanol blends (such as E15, E30, E85) is the campaign's main graphic.

"Although there is continued uncertainty in the renewable fuels market, one thing for certain is that the way consumers select and use fuel will be changing in the coming years," said Kris Kiser President and CEO of OPEI.

"It is incumbent upon our industry to be proactive. We are cautioning American consumers and business owners whose livelihood depends on our equipment to be more mindful at the gas pump. Don't assume that the gas you put in your car can still go in your mower, chainsaw or generator."

For more information about OPEI of the "Look Before You Pump' campaign, please visit opei.org.

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