CORN FUELS...
Missouri does not require gas pump labeling when ethanol is added to gasoline (E10 sticker).
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Unfamiliarity with state, federal and county fuel laws,
has lead too many people to be unaware that the gas they are purchasing contains alcohol!
Missouri state fuel laws for ethanol renewable fuels are among the strictest and least consumer-friendly. In 2008 Missouri passed new laws to increase the distribution of ethanol (E10). It soon may be almost impossible to find gasoline without alcohol in Missouri (MO).
The current laws seem very confusing and limit the availability for non-ethanol gas choice for the residents of Missouri.
We strongly advise all people concerned about using gas that contains ethanol to visualize fuel (should appear straw to golden yellow color and without visible sediment). Testing fuel at the pump will determine exact alcohol content (portable Alcohol Fuel Test Kit). 1 drop Quik-Check solution can be used to instantly determine if gas contains any alcohol or water
Missouri News and Law - Renewable Fuels & E10
More Information - Resources Missouri and U.S. Ethanol Fuel Laws
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
03031709/1008 0930
Excerpt below from MO Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) copied from Missouri Dept. of Agriculture website:
www.mda.mo.gov/FuelQuality/renewablefuelstandard.htm
- Start Copy -
On January 1, 2008, the Missouri Renewable Fuel Standard became effective. Under this standard, all gasoline offered for sale in Missouri must contain 10% ethanol.
A few exemptions to the standard will allow gasoline without ethanol to be sold:
When ethanol blends purchased at wholesale exceed the price of gasoline
When selling premium unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher
Gasoline sold at airports
Gasoline sold at marinas
Although premium is exempted from the requirement, it may be blended with ethanol.
Missouri does not require ethanol labeling on gasoline dispensers. Therefore, if a consumer has a specific application that requires a fuel without ethanol, the consumer must purchase premium unleaded gasoline with an octane of 91 or higher that is also advertised as not containing ethanol.
Retail Service Station Operators
It is important for service station operators and wholesale consumer users to prepare storage tanks by removing water and sediment and installing 10 micron filters before the introduction of any ethanol blends into these tanks. This will ensure the quality of the product is preserved...
- End Copy -
Fuel-Testers Comments: Seems a little contradictory - Missouri does not label...exempts premium from ethanol, and then says ethanol can be added to premium! Seems Missouri lawmakers believe "advertising" is all that's needed for consumers to make an informed fuel choice.
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MUST READ: "Ten Things Missouri Tank Owners and Operators Must Know About Ethanol".
Includes discussion on precautions and problems when mixing and dispensing ethanol blends of gasoline; Includes gas station operator checklist.
View at: www.mda.mo.gov/pdf/morenewablefuelstandard.pdf
Every state currently sells some E10 gasoline at public pumps -
Federal laws (Renewable Fuel Standards) do not require E10 specifically, but do include a quota for renewable fuels.
Renewable fuels = corn/grain ethanol, cellulosic ethanol and biodiesel fuels.
Ethanol blends available at gas pumps in the U.S. include E10 (10% ethanol) and E85 (85% ethanol).
States with the least E85 pumps are having difficulty meeting their quota for renewable fuels -
The result often is adding ethanol to conventional gas pumps everywhere, making E10 the only conventional fuel available -
This has created much inconvenience for persons owning vehicles not designed for alcohol blends of fuel.
(Includes many older cars, marine engines, classic cars, lawn equipment, etc.).
To make matters worse, Missouri does not require pump labeling to reveal when ethanol is added to conventional gasoline.
Many Missouri residents have no alternative than to always check gas for alcohol, before purchase.
While using a portable alcohol fuel test kit is simple and easy, Fuel-testers believes all gas pumps throughout the U.S. should require labeling.
We also believe every station should offer consumers a choice, and offer at least one non-alcohol gas pump at every gas station.
Since ethanol is added locally by fuel distributors (not at the refineries), all parts of the U.S. have had reports of pumps with improper mixing of ethanol (test results over 10% which is illegal for E10).
Another reason so many consumers believe it's now necessary to check gas for exact % ethanol present.
To report sale of contaminated gasoline in Missouri, contact:
1. Gas Station Owner/Operator and Gas Company Corporate Office (in event claim must be filed for engine damage).
2. Missouri Department of Agriculture, Weights and Measures Division
P.O. Box 630 1616 Missouri Blvd. Jefferson City, MO 65102
Phone: (573) 751-4316 or Fuel Quality Program at (573) 751-2922.
Website: http://www.mda.mo.gov/wm/wm.htm
Email: fuel.quality@mda.mo.gov
www.fuel-testers.com
FUEL-TESTERS
Everything you need to know to safely manage ethanol & E10 gasoline...
Missouri Ethanol Fuel Distribution Laws:
The Missouri Renewable Fuel Standard Act - Enacted in 2008 requires 10% ethanol to be added to all gasoline sold at public pumps. Law allows non-ethanol gas to be sold in premium grades (91 or higher) but does not require it. Gas pumps are not labeled when ethanol is added.
