Source: Convenience Store News
CHARLESTON, S.C. — In a big victory for South Carolina's convenience stores and petroleum marketers, both sides of the state legislature overrode Governor Sanford's veto of a law that would have prevented the delivery of unblended fuel at the terminal. The margins left no doubt where the sentiments of the lawmakers stood: 34-7 in the Senate, and 91-2 in the House.
"We fought hard for this bill that effectively permits splash blending of ethanol fuels," declared Leigh Faircloth, executive director of the South Carolina Association of Convenience Stores (SCACS). "We weren't going to be denied by the Governor's veto. Splash blending allows distributors to take advantage of fluctuating ethanol prices and collect tax breaks plus other government incentives, which benefits consumers and retailers with lower prices. It also keeps most tax revenues within the state, which doesn't happen when big oil does the blending."
As of June 15, terminals will be required to offer unblended product for all fuel grades.
