Lawmakers OK removing labeling for ethanol gas

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Ethanol labels would be peeled off gasoline pumps under an agricultural bill sent to Gov. Bob Holden.

Supporters of the bill say the yellow stickers that describe the 10 percent ethanol blend of some fuels are scaring motorists away and decreasing sales of the corn-based fuel additive.

The bill, sponsored by Sen. Bill Foster, R-Poplar Bluff, was passed 28-1 by the Senate after receiving earlier House approval.

"Some people thought ethanol was undesirable, but it is desirable," Foster said. "I think we did a bad job of informing people."

Ethanol is made from corn and blended with petroleum. Current state law requires labels on any gas pumps that contain an ethanol mix.