Texas House Bill HB1693

Texas 2015 - 84th Regular

Caption

Relating to a prohibition on the sale of motor fuel mixed with ethanol; imposing civil and criminal penalties.

Impact

The introduction of HB 1693 represents a significant shift in Texas's regulation of motor fuels, potentially closing the door to ethanol-blended gasoline. Supporters of the bill may argue that this move could enhance the quality of motor fuels available to consumers and possibly mitigate environmental concerns related to ethanol production and use. By enforcing strict penalties for non-compliance, the bill seeks to ensure adherence to these new regulations, thereby influencing the state's overall energy policy.

Summary

House Bill 1693 aims to prohibit the sale of motor fuel mixed with ethanol in Texas. The bill amends existing sections in the Agriculture Code, specifying that dealers cannot sell motor fuel that contains any mixture of ethanol. Furthermore, if motor fuel is delivered to an outlet, it must come with documentation detailing the percentage of methanol or ethanol and any cosolvents included. The legislation emphasizes clear labeling on fuel pumps to inform consumers about the content of the fuel being sold.

Contention

However, the prohibition of ethanol in motor fuels raises concerns regarding the implications for renewable energy initiatives, as ethanol is often promoted for its renewable energy attributes. Opponents might argue that the bill undermines efforts to transition toward sustainable energy sources. The enforcement of civil and criminal penalties for breaches of these regulations may also spark debates on the appropriateness of such measures in the context of energy sales and innovation within the motor fuel market.