(The Center Square) – The minds of drivers across Ohio, worried about the quality of gas they are pumping into their cars, could be eased if a program to test the fuel quality at the gas pumps takes effect.
While an opportunity for a statewide program already exists under state law, two senators want each county to be able to implement its own testing procedures after recent reports of contaminated fuel have surfaced.
Senate Bill 80 “is a consumer-focused bill that will give drivers peace of mind when they go to fuel up their vehicle,” said Sen. Willis Blackshear Jr., D-Dayton. “This bill is especially necessary given the recent reports of fuel contamination that have cost drivers thousands of dollars.”
Montgomery County Auditor Karl Keith said that a motorist in the area recently filled up their tank and the car stalled a mile later. That led to a $500 towing bill and pumps at the station shut down for more than a week.
A leak in fuel tanks caused water to mix with gasoline, creating the issue for the motorist.
A similar incident happened at another Montgomery County station recently.
That’s why, according to Sen. Catherine Ingram, D-Cincinnati, the effort to allow counties to test fuel samples has been going on for years at the statehouse.
“When people ask me why, what we have to do is ensure that even some of those retailers may not realize some of their tanks may be contaminated, so why not?” Ingram said. “This legislation is long overdue. Ohio is one of only three states without fuel quality testing authority. SB80 gives our auditors the tools they need to protect consumers, ensure public safety, and support fair business practices.”
Nebraska and Alaska are the only other states without testing programs.
Keith has been calling for a change for years to protect consumers and retailers from issues that could be avoided.
“I feel like a voice in the wilderness at some times. It’s great to have partners advocate for this very important consumer bill. Sometimes you work on things for years and years and sometimes you just have to keep at it. This is one of those things you just have to keep at,” Keith said. “We’re there to protect the consumer and the retailer. Not only do we not want to see the consumer put bad gas in their car, but we don’t want to see the retailer out of service for 10 days.”
Ingram, Blackshear and Keith agree the cost to taxpayers would be negligible with inexpensive equipment and most counties already doing weight inspections with current staff.
“Of course, you get some pushback from some major companies who are producers who say you don’t have to do it, but the Farm Bureau and other groups want us to do this,” Ingram said.
