As of October 1, 1997, nearly all fuel sold in the
state
of Minnesota must contain 2.7 weight % oxygen. Since 1995, the ten county
Twin Cities metropolitan area has been required to use oxygenated fuel
as part of the federal wintertime oxygenated fuel program in the Clean
Air Act Amendments of 1990. Gasoline marketers have opted to use ethanol
to meet this requirement, citing economics and consumer preference for
ethanol. The Minnesota Department of Agriculture, Minnesota Public Service Department, Minnesota Pollution Control Agency, American Lung Association's Minneapolis affiliate, and the Minnesota Corn Growers Association teamed up to ensure implementation of the state-wide program would be a smooth transition.
These groups boasted that air quality benefits of ethanol are clear, and Minnesota has not experienced a single carbon monoxide violation since its oxyfuel program began. The groups launched an educational campaign featuring "Larry the Lung" to promote the benefits of ethanol usage to consumers.
Fuel for marinas, resorts, airports, race-tracks, non-automotive engines and collector cars are exempt from the oxygen requirement. Other states including Nebraska and Iowa are looking to the Minnesota program as a model for programs in their states.
