Florida Bill Allows Gas Stations to Offer Pure Gasoline

The measure would amend the Florida Renewable Fuel Standard to remove the requirement that all gas has some ethanol.

April 03, 2013

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida lawmakers are considering a bill that would let gasoline stations sell ethanol-free gasoline, WJHG-TV reports. The proposal —sponsored by state Reps. Matt Gaetz and Keith Perry — would specifically overturn part of the Florida Renewable Fuel Standard Act that requires all gasoline for sale in the Sunshine State to have ethanol.

It’s a change embraced by Florida residents who are concerned about damage to small engine equipment, such as lawnmowers and weed whackers. “[Ethanol-gasoline] does some bad things like attract moisture and causes corrosion,” said Trey Trzeciak, who manages Callaway Lawn Equipment. He estimates that as much as 70% of his repair business is related to damage caused by gasoline with ethanol.

The bill has been approved by the House Communications, Energy, and Public Utilities Committee, while the House Energy and Utilities Subcommittee passed an identical bill in February and the Regulatory Affairs Committee did the same in March. The bill has to pass the full House and Senate before going before Gov. Rick Scott. If approved at all levels and signed by Scott, the bill would take effect July 1.

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