Oregon’s Ethanol Dilemma

Mike Buckridge & Sun Automotive's Shuttle Vehicle

I believe most of us know by now that on July 3, 2007 Governor Ted Kulongoski signed HB 2210, mandating that all gasoline sold in Oregon contain 10% Ethanol without exception.

House Bill 2210, also known as Oregon’s Biofuel Mandate, passed in the 2007 legislative session and was signed into law. When ethanol production in Oregon has the capacity to reach 40 million gallons a year, the renewable fuel standard for ethanol kicks in.  January 15, 2008, the blended fuel became mandatory in Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, Clatsop, Columbia, Tillamook, Yamhill, Polk, and Marion counties. The City of Portland had its own requirement for ethanol-blended fuel already in place. By April 15, 2008, Linn, Lane, Benton, Lincoln, Douglas, Coos, Jackson, Josephine, and Curry counties would comply. Finally, by September 16, 2008, all counties east of the Cascades will complete the full statewide implementation.

There have many discussions on the pro’s and con’s of Oregon’s ethanol. Before implementation a few said emissions would be cleaner, cost of fuel would decrease and gas mileage would increase. From my experience operating three automotive repair shops in the Eugene / Springfield area only one of the three predictions are true. Fuel prices have gone up, mileage has gone down , but at least it burns cleaner. Most customers are reporting that their gas mileage has decreased five to ten percent. Our experience is that most vehicles are not harmed by the ethanol unless you own a mid 80s or older vehicle. The alcohol can deteriorate some rubber gaskets and seals in carburetors, fuel tanks and fuel pumps. The aviation industry, two cycle tools ie chain saws, leaf blowers etc, off road vehicles, snowmobiles, jet skis all claim they need exemption from these fuel as ethanol will damage their equipment. Reports are that there are no easy sources to obtain alcohol free fuels.

I would like to hear from others on their experience of using ethanol for a significant period of time in some of the above mentioned equipment. Have you experianced any damage to your equipment and are there sources for alcohol free fuels.

More later.

Mike