Legislation (LD 453) that prohibits a person from selling or offering for sale petrol that contains corn-based ethanol as an additive at a level greater than 10 percent by volume was signed into law by Maine Gov. Paul LePage, according to the Specialty Equipment Market Association (SEMA).

The law (LD 453) would not take effect until at least two other New England states have enacted laws that prohibit the sale of petrol that contains corn-based ethanol at a level greater than 10 percent by volume. Separate legislation (L.D. 115) to prohibit the sale and distribution of corn-based ethanol if at least two other New England states pass a similar prohibition failed in the Maine Senate by a 21-14 vote. However, the bill remains alive as senators reconsider the initial vote.

SEMA has urged its members to contact Maine lawmakers to support LD 115.

SEMA notes following benefits of the law:

• LD 115 recognizes that ethanol increases water formation which can then corrode metals, plastics and rubber, especially over a period of time when the vehicle is not used. Current high performance specialty parts along with pre-model year 2001 cars and parts may be most susceptible to corrosion.
• LD 115 recognizes that the life span of vehicles and equipment can be dramatically reduced with the wrong fuel and that owners could be confronted with break downs. Anti-corrosion additives are available for each purchase of petrol but can become expensive, burdensome and require consumer education.
• LD 115 recognizes that there has been an inability to obtain unblended petrol for engines that may be damaged by ethanol.
• LD 115 would not take effect until at least two of the other New England states, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island and Vermont, have enacted laws that prohibit the sale of motor fuel containing corn-based ethanol.