Christensen sees options for ethanol bill

McCOOK, Nebraska -- State Sen. Mark Christensen said that several options were still possible for LB698, his bill which seeks to eliminate state mandated labeling requirements for ethanol-blended fuel.

He said swapping the label requirements was a possibility -- so that fuel pumps without ethanol would be required to be marked as such and ethanol containing pumps could go unmarked.

"I firmly believe you could remove all labeling requirements and they would still be marked," said Christensen, who explained that he believed customer demand for the information would push stations to continue marking the pumps, "people want to know."

Christensen reiterated his use of the current pump labels, that his bill seeks to remove, saying he will drive through any fuel station that doesn't carry fuel marked as containing ethanol, "I want to support that industry."

He further explained that his motivation for the bill is support of the ethanol industry, citing growth in several states after removing similar labeling requirements.

"Michigan went from 70 percent ethanol use to 90 percent and 14 states have removed labels now. There has never been a federal requirement for the labels," said Christensen.

Christensen also said the labeling practice was originally put in place to push the locally grown product, that he said was better for the environment.

While there is debate ongoing as to whether removing the labels will now provide a boost for the ethanol industry, in any manner other than deceiving fuel consumers, the senator said he wouldn't lose sleep over whether the bill advanced or was killed outright. "My desire is to help the industry grow," said Christensen, who added that if swapping the label requirements helped avoid public deception he would support it.

One chamber member said he got better gas mileage using fuel without ethanol and Christensen said he could relate, saying one of his vehicles was similar while the other saw no difference from either version of the fuel. "I'm sure it varies from vehicle to vehicle, engine to engine," said Christensen.

Angus Garey asked Christensen about the status of LB229, the bill which transfers $7 million from the Environmental Trust Fund to the Water Resources Cash Fund for 10 years, and broadens use of the fund to allow them to be used for studies and grants in connection with the Nebraska Groundwater Management and Protection Act.

"I think they have a very nice agreement coming that everyone will be happy with," replied Christensen, who added that if the amendments didn't come, they would be actively killing the bill.