Fuel blends rules go to Secretary of State

The Georgia Department of Agriculture has sent proposed rule changes relating to gasoline-ethanol blends to the Secretary of State following a public hearing February 12 in Atlanta.

The hearing was the third opportunity for the public to provide comments on the proposed rule changes.  Two town hall meetings were held last year in Tifton and Atlanta.  Approximately 50 people attended Tuesday’s hearing.

The proposed changes are to paragraph (b) of Rule 40-20-1-.01 of the state’s Petroleum Rules and Regulations relating to oxygenated spark ignition engine fuels that are a blend of 90% gasoline and 10% fuel grade ethanol.

The changes allow for small variances in the requirements for 10% ethanol blends from the requirements for gasoline.

“These changes should increase the use of renewable fuel in Georgia, not cause problems with vehicles and provide for adequate consumer protection,” said Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irvin.

The Georgia Department of Agriculture has the responsibility of establishing performance specifications that set requirements for the suitability of use of various petroleum products.  These rules are promulgated in accordance with Georgia Law under Part 1 Petroleum Products Act of 1927, as amended (O.C.G.A. 10-l-155, et seq.).

The rule change was sent to the Secretary of State’s office as required by law for incorporation into the State’s Petroleum Rules and Regulations.  The rule changes will take effect 20 days after filing with the Secretary of State.

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