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Source: NCDA&CS, 3/20/12
The Gasoline and Oil Inspection Board today approved changes to rules governing the way ethanol and other oxygenated gasoline blends can be labeled. Consumers could notice new labels at gas stations as early as May.
“More than 90 percent of the gas stations we inspect carry some form of ethanol-blended gasoline, but until now stations have not been required to label their pumps,” said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. “We hope these changes will help consumers make a more informed decision when they fill up their tanks.”
The changes will not affect the type of fuel provided by gas stations across the state. Instead, it will require station operators to clearly define any blends they sell.
Under the proposed changes, gasoline containing 10 percent or less by volume of ethanol would be required to include a label that states “may contain up to 10 percent ethanol” or similar wording. For blends containing between 10 and 15 percent ethanol, the label would state “contains up to 15 percent ethanol” or similar wording. Any blend containing between 15 and 85 percent ethanol would be required to include a label stating the exact volume percentage of ethanol. E85 blends are not affected by the changes.
The rules now go before the N.C. Rules Review Commission. The new rules could take effect as early as May 1 depending on when they are approved by the commission.
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