Lawmakers refuse increased cap on ethanol in gasoline
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Lawmakers refuse increased cap on ethanol in gasoline

Date: October 9, 2013
By: Taylor Beck
State Capitol Bureau

Intro: 
State lawmakers blocked a proposal to increase the amount of ethanol in Missouri's gasoline...a proposal some say would have lowered gas prices.
RunTime:  0:42
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Missouri lawmakers voted to restrict the state Department of Agriculture from increasing the cap of ethanol in gasoline from 10 percent to 15 percent.

State lawmakers like Senator Eric Schmitt noted the decision was mostly based on procedural reasons and should be discussed in the legislative session to come.

Actuality:  SCHMITT1.WAV
Run Time:  00:09
Description: "what we were saying was, that may all be well and good but the appropriate course of action there is by legislation and not by administrative rule."

In earlier hearings, Renewable Fuel Association representative Christy Moore said increasing the cap would cut gas prices for consumers.

Others from the automotive industry raised concerns that using gas with more ethanol on older cars might harm the engines or void the vehicle's warranty.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Taylor Beck.

Intro: 
Some say consumers would benefit from this change in your gasoline, but state lawmakers blocked that proposal Monday...citing mainly procedural reasons rather than content-based ones.
RunTime:  0:41
OutCue:  SOC

Wrap: Missouri lawmakers voted to restrict the state Department of Agriculture from increasing the cap of ethanol in gasoline.

The proposal would have changed the max amount of ethanol in gasoline from 10 percent to 15.

Earlier this week Renewable Fuel Association Representative Christy Moore said increasing the cap would make gas cheaper for consumers.

St. Louis County Senator and chairman of the committee Eric Schmitt said he does not oppose the increase, but thinks lawmakers should handle the issue in the legislative session.

Actuality:  SCHMITT2.WAV
Run Time:  00:09
Description: "this matter should have been handled legislatively as opposed to by way of fiats by unelected bureaucrats."

Two of the eight committee members voted to allow the increased cap.

Reporting from the state Capitol, I'm Taylor Beck.