Chicago fuel stations brace for mandatory installation of E15, press report says

Fuel stations in Chicago may soon have to make adjustments or buy equipment to comply with a potential new city law that would force them to start offering to the public pumps with E15 fuel, the Chicago Tribune reported on its December 8 issue.

The city’s financial committee has approved such a move by an 11-5 vote and it will now be up to the city council to take a final decision in their next meeting to be held later in December, the Chicago Tribune said. The change is being promoted by US ethanol producers in alliance with the American Lung Association of Illinois, the newspaper added.

“Big oil, allied with gas station owners, other retailer and the AAA Auto Group, said the move would not provide cheaper gas, do little if anything to help the environment, possibly harm certain engines and push gas station owners and their associated convenience stores out of the city,” the Chicago Tribune said.

Chicago fuel stations are already equipped for E10. If the city mandate is approved, Chicago will become the first US city with an E15 mandate, the newspaper said.