Ethanol optional

We understand that the Oregon Legislature has multibillion-dollar dilemmas to deal with, but we’re glad lawmakers have gotten around to another problem: Ethanol.

Last year a state law took effect that requires service stations to sell gas that contains 10 percent ethanol.

Ethanol is a plant-based fuel that doesn’t produce as much pollution as gasoline.

But ethanol is not without faults.

It can corrode fuel lines and other car parts. And it reduces mileage, which dilutes the environmental benefits because cars that run on the ethanol-blended gas have to burn more fuel to go the same distance.

Last week House Republican Leader Bruce Hanna and Republican Rep. Tim Freeman, both from Roseburg, introduced a bill that would allow stations to sell premium gasoline that’s free of ethanol.

The legislation is House Bill 3177, and it should become law.

We don’t object to adding ethanol.

But considering that blended fuel can damage vehicles, and that it definitely lowers mileage, drivers should have the option to buy ethanol-free gas.

As for fears that HB 3177 will render the current ethanol law meaningless, remember that premium fuel, the only grade the law affects, costs 15 to 20 cents per gallon more than regular. We doubt many drivers will be willing to pay that much extra.