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Based on Federal and State renewable fuel standards, laws and mandates/quotas E10 ethanol blends of fuel distribution has dramatically increased over past 2-3 years.
In 2008, Florida state laws changed in an attempt to REQUIRE ethanol oxygenation of almost ALL public gas supply in the future.
Unfortunately, pumps which test no ethanol today, will likely switch-over to E10 in the near future.
Not a good decision for a state with high temperatures and humidity (increased risk of gas water contamination), and many marine engines and older cars that are not designed for alcohol blends of fuel. -Conventional, non-alcohol gasoline did NOT "attract" and "absorb" water -
READ: March 2008 Press release from Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services,
Title: "Bronson Unveils New Fuel Quality Standards For Gasoline/Ethanol Blends".
Florida has very limited availability of E85 pumps (85% ethanol gasoline used only in Flex Fuel Vehicles)- which may help to explain why Florida's Governor chose to add ethanol to all conventional gas to meet state's quota for renewable fuels.
By 2009 it has become very difficult to locate a station in Florida that sells non-ethanol gasoline.
The local fuel distributors are reluctant to offer for sale non-ethanol gas. We suspect this may be due to the high tax credits/subsidies offered for ethanol blends in Florida, resulting in higher profit margin for fuel distributors and retailers.
Several marine stations in Florida have succeeded in obtaining non-ethanol gas.
It's unfortunate that engine owners in Florida have lost the right to easily purchase the most appropriate gasoline for their particular engines at the public pumps.
Check your owner's manual fuel recommendations - most older engines, pre-late 1990's, will recommend/advise or forbid against use of any alcohol in fuel. Also note that E10 is contraindicated for most marine engines, lawn equipment and motorcycles because these engines have a "vented" fuel system, allowing easy access to mositure in air.
Fuel-Testers company has received a dramatic increase in reports from consumers and businesses in Florida expereincing major problems with E10...
Problems include:
- Winter 2009: E10 gas contaminated with water.
- June/July 2008: Numerous stations dispensing over 10% legal limit of ethanol at E10 gas pumps.
Highest incidence of reports to us have been from following locations: Ft. Lauderdale, Miami, Tampa and St. Petersburg area.
- Purchase of E10 gasoline contaminated with dirt, rust and sediment.
(Gas pumps not properly cleanded and prepared prior to switchover to E10).
- Reports of pumps containing ethanol alcohol that do not have E10 sticker label.
(Primarily Miami and Tampa areas).
We strongly advise all people concerned about using gas containing alcohol,
visualize fuel (contaminated fuel usually appears, cloudy, dark, or has visible sediment) and
check fuel at pump for exact alcohol content (portable Alcohol Fuel Test Kit).
In Florida if you suspect gasoline is of poor quality or contains over 10% legal limit of ethanol...
Contact: Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, Division of Standards, Petroleum Inspection
Telephone: (850) 488-9740
Fax : (850) 922-6655
Field Office Telephone: (850) 487-2634
Mailing Address: Bureau of Petroleum Inspection
3125 Conner Blvd.
Lab 1, Mail Stop L29
Tallahassee, FL 32399-1650
Read more news and articles on ethanol gasoline issues/problems in State of Florida.
Florida - Ethanol Renewable Fuel Standards & E10 Laws
More Information - Resources Florida and U.S. Ethanol Fuel Laws
Visit Florida Bureau of Petroleum Inspection: This department regularly conducts inspection of petroleum fuel distributed throughout Florida to assure fuel meets state standards, which are considered among the strictest in the nation.
In 2006-07 this department issued 352 stop-sale orders to prevent the sale of 961,242 gallons of substandard fuel.
www.doacs.state.fl.us/standard/petro/index.html
The U.S. Department of Energy website includes extensive information on renewable and alternative fuels -
Visit Alternative Fuel Data Center (AFDC) www.eere.energy.gov/afdc/incentives_laws.html;
Other good sources for information include:
- Renewable Fuels Standards www.epa.gov/otaq/renewablefuels/ and several other topics on EPA website,
www.epa.gov/air/caa/peg/carstrucks.html
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Caution - Warning:
The percent of ethanol may be incorrectly added by the local fuel distributor.
In most areas ethanol is added to the tanks by the delivery truck drivers, (local distributor); And, very few gas stations monitor or check ethanol content (% added) of fuel delivered.
Are you taking necessary precautions when using ethanol-blend gasoline?
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The Politics of Ethanol Fuel
The reason you have E10 fuel at the gas pumps is primarily because of the following U.S. federal government and EPA legislation:
The Renewable Fuel Standard Program (RFS September 2006, revised 2007 and 2008).
EISA - Energy Independence and Security Act (2007)
The Energy Policy Act (2005)
The Clean Air Act (1990) and Alternative Motor Fuels Act (1988)
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Check and monitor gas for ethanol percent and water with an Alcohol Fuel Test Kit
Florida law requires E10 gas pump labeling, E10 sticker on pump when ethanol is added.
By 2010, all public conventional gas supply in Florida will contain ethanol.
Excerpt from 2008 Florida FUEL STANDARD:
"-- Beginning December 31, 2010, all gasoline sold or offered for sale in Florida by a terminal supplier, importer, blender, or wholesaler shall be blended gasoline.
EXEMPTIONS.--The requirements of this act do not apply to the following:
(a) Fuel used in aircraft.
(b) Fuel sold for use in boats and similar watercraft.
(c) Fuel sold to a blender.
(d) Fuel sold for use in collector vehicles or vehicles eligible to be licensed as collector vehicles, off-road vehicles, motorcycles, or small engines.".
For Florida RFS Renewable Fuel Standard -See House Bill 7135, Section 103 of the Florida Statutes.
Alcohol Gas Test Kit will confirm presence or absence of ethanol in fuel.
Will also give percent to validate gas contains below legal limit of 10%.
031709 0930
Contaminated Gas in Florida, causing driving, performance problems, engine damage?
Contact: Florida Bureau of Petroleum Inspection.
www.fuel-testers.com
FUEL-TESTERS
Everything you need to know to safely manage ethanol & E10 gasoline...
Petition Against E15 (15%) Increase - Engine manufacturers only approve up to 10% ethanol... More info.
