They're not pretty, but they should catch your attention.

Yesterday, the Environmental Protection Agency issued its design for a warning label to be placed on so-called pumps that dispense the new gasoline blend, which contains a higher ethanol content.

Although the legal status of E15 gasoline may be in some doubt, the EPA is moving forward with plans to roll out the sticker in time to catch the tail end of this summer's driving season.

The label is to warn drivers who fill up that the new blend of gasoline, containing 15 percent ethanol, is to be used in cars built in 2001 or later.

Vehicles built before that, along with boats and all small gasoline engines, have not been approved to use E15, and should stick with the existing E10 gasoline blend that has been in effect since 1978.

Gas pump

Gas pump

More than 150 million vehicles are now on the road from 2001 and later, and they consume more than three-quarters of all gasoline sold in the U.S. Within three years, the EPA says, that amount will rise to 85 percent.

Some gas stations may install new tanks to hold only E15 gasoline; others may install more complex so-called "blender pumps," which mix gasoline and ethanol in various ratios to produce either E10 or E15.

So, be on the lookout this summer if you're driving a car from 2000 or earlier. Make sure the gas you buy is right for you.

[EPA via Detroit News]

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