HCS HB 597 -- MOTOR FUELS

SPONSOR:  Lawson

COMMITTEE ACTION:  Voted "do pass" by the Committee on
Environment and Energy by a vote of 11 to 3.

This substitute adds gasoline-oxygenate blends to the list of
motor fuels regulated by the Department of Agriculture.  The
substitute also requires that, by August 28, 2003, 50% of the
gasoline sold in the state must contain at least 2.7% oxygen by
weight.  The sales requirement increases to 75% by August 28,
2005, and to 95% by August 28, 2007.  Areas subject to the
federal reformulated gasoline program are exempt, but only
during times of the year when fuel containing 2.7% oxygen does
not meet federal requirements.  Fuel sold for use in aircraft,
watercraft, and racing cars is also exempt.  Retail gasoline
stations may dispense non-oxygenated premium fuel from one
storage tank for use in historic vehicles, motorcycles,
snowmobiles, off-road vehicles, boats, and small engines.

FISCAL NOTE:  Not available at time of printing.

PROPONENTS:  Supporters say that use of ethanol in motor fuel
boosts the farm economy and reduces vehicle emissions.  Ethanol
also does not cause water pollution problems like MTBE, the
other commonly used oxygenate.

Testifying for the bill were Representative Myers; Missouri Corn
Growers Association; and Missouri Farm Bureau.

OPPONENTS:  Those who oppose the bill say that the bill
eliminates consumer choice and would require the oil industry to
provide additional fuel storage capacity.  There would also be a
reduction in federal highway funding because fuel taxes on
ethanol are reduced.

Testifying against the bill were Missouri Oil Council; and
Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association.

Terry Finger, Senior Legislative Analyst

Missouri House of Representatives
Last Updated November 26, 2001 at 11:44 am