HARRISBURG, Pa. (March 2, 2015) — Legislation has been introduced in the Pennsylvania House to remove the requirement that gasoline offered for sale in the state contain a percentage of ethanol.
According to a legislative alert issued by the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA), Pennsylvania requires that “all gasoline sold or offered for sale to ultimate consumers in this Commonwealth must contain at least 10 percent cellulosic ethanol by volume.”
The proposed legislation — H.B. 471 — recognizes that ethanol fuels cause problems with fuel pumps and fuel gauges as well as other engine performance issues, especially over a period of time when a vehicle is not used, SEMA said. The bill also acknowledges that ethanol has been shown to decrease fuel mileage.
The Diamond Bar, Calif.-based association noted that current high-performance specialty parts along with pre- 2001 model-year cars and parts may be most susceptible to corrosion.
“H.B. 471 recognizes that the lifespan of vehicles and equipment can be dramatically reduced with the wrong fuel and that owners could be confronted with break downs,” SEMA said. “Anti-corrosion additives are available for each purchase of gasoline but can become expensive, burdensome and require consumer education.”
The trade group urged its members — including car enthusiasts — to contact members of the state's House Environmental Resources and Energy Committee to request support for H.B. 471.
The association posted the names of legislators and their contact information on its SEMA Action Network website.