Minnesota Introduces Bills to Increase Ethanol in Gasoline

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• H.F. 3699/S.F. 3605 increase the standard biofuel blend at Minnesota gas stations to 15% ethanol blend (E15). The current standard is 10%. 
   
• H.F. 3699/S.F. 3605 disregard the fact that ethanol, especially in higher concentrations such as E15, can cause metal corrosion and dissolve certain plastics and rubbers in automobiles that were not constructed with ethanol-resistant materials. High-performance specialty parts, along with older cars and parts, may be most susceptible to such corrosion.
   
• H.F. 3699/S.F. 3605 fail to provide adequate safeguards for vehicles whose life spans can be reduced by misfuelling and subsequent corrosion of integral vehicle and equipment parts. Anti-corrosion additives are available for each purchase of gasoline but can become expensive, burdensome and require consumer education.
   
• H.F. 3699/S.F. 3605 do not acknowledge that ethanol has been shown to decrease fuel mileage.
   
• H.F. 3699/S.F. 3605 ignore marketplace economics in favor of arbitrary government mandates.
   

Overview: SAN-opposed legislation (H.F. 3699/S.F. 3605) has been introduced in Minnesota to increase the standard biofuel blend to 15% ethanol. Currently there is a 10% state-wide standard. Minnesota currently has an exemption in place for those selling or dispensing limited quantities of nonoxygenated gas for collector vehicles. This legislation would create a similar exemption for vehicles not approved to use more than 10% biofuel, which includes all model year 2000 and older vehicles.  H.F. 3699/S.F. 3605 await consideration in the House Agriculture and Food Finance and Policy Division and Senate Commerce and Consumer Protection Finance and Policy Committee respectively.