Georgia Senate Bill SB525

Georgia 2023-2024 Regular Session

• Introduced: 2/16/24
• Refer: 2/20/24

Caption

Commerce and Trade; sale of ethanol gasoline within the state; prohibit

Impact

The introduction of this bill suggests that the Georgia General Assembly is responding to concerns raised about the effects of ethanol on vehicle longevity and performance. The bill's findings highlight issues such as increased corrosion in engines and the broader environmental repercussions associated with the cultivation of crops for ethanol production. If enacted, the bill would amend various titles in the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, demonstrating the state's commitment to a more definitive stance against the use of ethanol in fuel, supported by scientific claims regarding its negative impact.

Summary

Senate Bill 525 proposes sweeping changes to the regulation of gasoline containing ethanol in the state of Georgia. It aims to prohibit the sale of any gasoline mixed with ethanol or ethyl alcohol and seeks to remove ethanol from tax credits and exemptions previously granted under state law. By repealing existing programs that promote E-85 gasoline, SB525 marks a significant policy shift regarding alternative fuels and their role in the state's energy landscape. The bill reflects growing concerns over the potential environmental and mechanical impacts of ethanol as a gasoline additive.

Contention

Discussions around SB525 are likely to revolve around the contentious nature of its provisions. Supporters of the bill may argue that eliminating ethanol from gasoline is critical to preserving vehicle integrity and mitigating environmental concerns linked to agricultural practices for biofuels. Conversely, opponents may view this bill as a regression in the push for alternative energy solutions and potentially harmful to farmers and producers engaged in the biofuel industry. As such, SB525 embodies a wider debate about energy policy, agricultural practices, and environmental sustainability in Georgia.