Florida Ethanol Bill Stalls in Senate Committee

Randall Weiseman Corn, Energy, Field Crops, Florida, General

From the News Service of Florida:

The sponsor of a measure that would repeal a law requiring ethanol in Florida gasoline agreed to postpone its consideration Wednesday in the Senate Commerce and Tourism Committee, with several members of the panel saying they’re uncomfortable with a full repeal, though there’s support for making sure non-ethanol gasoline is available. Bill sponsor Sen. Greg Evers, R-Baker, said blended gasoline damages boat motors, and other engines, and said the requirement has been difficult for gas stations.

Committee Chairwoman Nancy Detert, R-Venice, said she understood the problems with the requirement, but thought the bill should keep some requirement in place, while making some exceptions to allow for people to be able to find non-blended gas. “I just don’t want to hurt the businesses that are in place to offer us renewable energy ideas,” Detert said. Evers agreed to pull his bill (SB 238) back to continue to work on a compromise measure. A House version of the proposal (HB 4013) was approved Tuesdcay by the Energy & Utilities Subcommittee. The 2008 law that would be repealed by the bill, backed by then-Gov. Charlie Crist, requires gasoline to include 9 to 10 percent ethanol. Even if lawmakers repeal the requirement, however, it is unclear how much effect the change would have because the federal government also has ethanol requirements.

Independent and Indispensable
http://www.newsserviceflorida.com/