Sen. Joe Pennacchio will introduce legislation to study the use of ethanol in fuel. (©iStock)
“There is a lot of concern that the addition of ethanol to fuel can cause engine problems in vehicles that aren’t specifically designed to handle it, and even that it could potentially decrease the gas mileage of car,” Senator Pennacchio said. “At a time when gas prices are spiking, New Jersey’s drivers can’t afford to have their vehicles become any less fuel-efficient.”The bill creates the “Ethanol Study Commission” within the Department of Environmental Protection, which will study the necessity of mixing ethanol in gasoline. It will submit a report to the Governor and the legislature detailing its findings, as well as its recommendations.
The commission will have to determine if the ethanol component of gasoline can be eliminated, reduced or replaced while still complying with federal requirements. They will also look to see if New Jersey could prohibit the use of ethanol in gasoline, either by legal action or legislative means.
“We need to take a look at it and determine if keeping this ethanol mixture is the best thing for New Jersey and its drivers,” Senator Pennacchio said. “Whether the solution is finding an alternative or removing it entirely, we’ll have to find out.”
No comments:
Post a Comment