An option to ethanol

We’re pleased to see that the Oregon Legislature is working on fixing a problem of its own making.

The problem is the ethanol mandate that took effect last year.

Stations can sell ethanol-free gas, but only for use in antique vehicles and off-highway vehicles such as snowmobiles and four-wheelers.

Unfortunately, many stations can’t afford to stock non-ethanol gas because it sells in such small volumes.

This is more than an inconvenience, too, because  ethanol can damage certain types of engines.

Also, the ethanol requirement has, to some degree, backfired.

The law’s purpose was to replace smog-producing gasoline with cleaner-burning ethanol.

Trouble is, ethanol-blended gas can cut fuel economy by 10 percent or more, which means cars running on the ethanol blend might produce more pollution, not less.

The solution to all this is House Bill 3177. The House passed the bill on May 8 by a vote of 55-5. The Senate is considering the legislation now.

HB 3177 would allow stations to sell premium-grade, ethanol-free gas for use in all vehicles.

The bill isn’t perfect. Drivers who don’t want ethanol in their engine would have to pay about 20 cents extra for premium, even though most cars are designed to run on regular unleaded.

But the bill at least gives drivers the option.

And considering the cost of engine repairs, a 20-cent premium might be a bargain.

We hope the Senate follows the House’s lead, and that Gov. Ted Kulongoski signs HB 3177 into law.