State-by-State Energy Laws & Policies

Know Your State's Renewable & Alternative Energy Policies -

The laws that determine how ethanol renewable fuel will be distributed is determined by each individual state. The goal of each state is to meet the federally enacted Renewable Fuel Standards (2004 with revisions in 2007 and 2008) which set an increasing quota for increased distribution of renewable fuels (ethanol and biodiesel are renewable fuels) during the next 5-10 years.

Even something as basic as gas pump labeling (when ethanol is added) is decided by each individual state. View state by state E10 sticker labeling laws here: http://www.fuel-testers.com/state_guide_ethanol_laws.html

Several states still do not require pumps to be labeled when up to 10% ethanol is added to conventional gasoline.

Most states only label pump, when ethanol content exceeds 1 to 2%. A few states always require E10 stickers.

Note: E85 always requires pump labeling since it can only be used in alternative vehicles (Flex-Fuel Automobiles).

Partly due to consumer complaints where non-ethanol gas has become almost non-existent at public pumps,

many states have considered offering premium grade fuel without ethanol.

When I lasted checked only 2 or 3 states had laws in place stating premium gas should be ethanol-free.

Ironically in states where ethanol is produced and popular (Midwest), finding conventional gas without ethanol may be easier, since those states easily reach their federally mandated quotas from widespread use of flex fuel (85% ethanol).

California has been an ethanol-friendly state, with many E85 flex fuel vehicles on the road, and had kept conventional gas maximum to 5-7% content, until this year. Now it may contain up to 10% (E10).

Most vehicles can tolerate up to 10% ethanol - But many older engines and non-auto engines were not designed for ethanol blends.

View manufacturer ethanol recommendations. It is this group that has encountered the most problems with widespread distribution of E10, and lack of availability in some areas for non-ethanol gasoline.

View consumer reports received by Fuel-testers, describing problems they've had with E10 gas:

View Auto - View Marine - View Motorcycle View Other Engine Types -

Know matter where you live, proper management and storage of E10 blends will protect most engines from unnecessary damage.

View E10 Precautions/Tips.

Fuel-testers hopes in the near future state laws will be more uniform (not likely). At the very least all states should require pump labeling and also a provision for easy access to non-ethanol fuel when required by your engine type, year or model.

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Page update in progress March 2009