From: alan@acpub.duke.edu (Alan M. Gallatin)
Newsgroups: triangle.general
Subject: AAA on oxygenated gas (was Re: Nearest source of non-oxygenated gas)
Date: 6 Nov 92 04:38:03 GMT
Distribution: triangle
Organization: Duke University; Durham, N.C.

With the apparent concerns many people have about the gas we're being
forced to use, I thought the following article would prove interesting...

NC MOTORISTS CONCERNED OVER GASOLINE MANDATE
(Reprinted without permission from "Carolinas AAA Go Magazine",
November-December 1992 vol.68,no.6, p. 1)

   November 1 marks the date that motorists in 11 North Carolina counties
will have to start using oxygen-added gasoline in an effort aimed at
reducing pollution.  Sale of the new oxygenated fuel is mandated by the
recently amended Clean Air Act requirements which call for use of blended
fuels for any metropolitan region that exceeds federal health standards
for carbon monoxide.  High carbon monoxide levels are a health concern
for people at risk, including elderly, children and people with
repiratory problems.

   The 11 North Carolina counties affected by this ruling are Davidson,
Davie, Durham, Franklin, Forsyth, Guilford, Organge, Randolph, Stokes,
Wake and Yadkin.  Gasoline sold in these counties beginning November 1
must contain at least 2.7 percent oxygen by weight.  North Carolina isn't
the only state targeted for this program.  Some 37 other communities
nationwide, from Washington to Fairbanks, Alaska, must also start selling
the new gasoline mixture this winter.  The new oxygenated fuel was first
mandated in Denver, Colorado four years ago and has been used in several
other areas across the nation since the winter of 1989.

Motorists React with Concern --

   Since the announcement was made about the change to oxygenated gasoline
in the 11 North Carolina counties, reactions from area motorists have
expressed concern.  The North Carolina Department of Agriculture in Raleigh
has been inundated with phone calls according to David Smith, director of
the Standards Division and charged with overseeing the mandates of the fuel
program.

   According to Smith, "there have been a lot of misconceptions over what
we're talking about.  Motorists immediately think of gasohol and feel the
new fuels will ruin their engines.  Most if not all fears are unwarranted."

Gasoline Pumps Will Be Labeled --

   All gasoline pumps in the 11 county affected area must contain the
following label:  "The gasoline dispensed from this pump is oxygenated
and will reduce carbon monoxide emissions from motor vehicles."

   In addition, gasoline pumps dispensing blends containing ethanol (and
other alcohols) must also be labeled to indicate the mix.

   About 60 percent of the 2,000 gas stations involved in the program are
scheduled to sell fuels with an additive called MTBE - methyl tertiary
butyl ether - which is already found in many premium gasolines.  Ethanol,
a form of gasohol, will be sold at the remaining service stations.  MTBE,
which doesn't contain alcohol, is an option for drivers concerned about
ethanol.

   All of the major vehicle manufacturers approve the use of up to 15%
MTBE and up to 10% ethanol.  According to Smith, all gasoline sold this
winter in the 11 affected counties will be within these ranges.
-- 
Alan M. Gallatin <alan@acpub.duke.edu>