Oregon expands availability of ethanol-free gas

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Beginning Jan. 1, fuel retailers in Oregon will have the option of selling ethanol-free gasoline to consumers. The recently-passed legislation was an answer to citizens' complaints that they had experienced engine problems as a result of ethanol-blended fuel, according to the bill's sponsors.

A 2008 state law already allowed certain retailers to sell unblended gasoline for use in non-road engines, but legislators said it had been difficult for consumers to access the fuel due to distribution and storage issues. "While improving access to unblended fuel, this new law will give the state's renewable fuel standard an opportunity to work as it was originally intended," said state House Republican Leader Bruce Hanna.