EPA move could reduce gas prices 5 to 10 cents a gallon

By ELISHA SAUERS Staff Writer

Published 09/19/08

Gasoline stations in Maryland were given permission yesterday to start selling a heavier blend of gasoline that usually wouldn't be allowed until October.

The move, which was approved by the Environmental Protection Agency following a request from Maryland Comptroller Peter Franchot, is intended to increase the gasoline supply in the aftermath of Hurricane Ike, which closed several major refineries on the Gulf Coast.

AAA Mid-Atlantic spokesman Ragina Averella said the winter fuel blend is less expensive to consumers because less refining is necessary to produce it.

"Ideally, this move will drive down the average...

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Not needed - 2008-09-19 16:59:27

'Winter Blend' or 'Oxygenated' fuels are not needed in today's automobiles that have fuel injection and feedback fuel systems nor are special blends for Summer. Today, the split second you turn the key the car already KNOWS the perfect fuel mixture and has already adjusted for it no matter the temperature. The O2 sensors are get hot and send data very quickly. The Catalysts are treating the emissions within seconds. Vapor lock? Only on 25+ year old cars. Ford sold its last carburetor in 1985 on a Festiva. Seasonally blended fuels just add to fuel costs. The EPA and Maryland EPA should wake up and stop this nonsense based on 1/4 Century old data.

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Paul Flanagan - Shady Side, MD - Karma: Bad