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States That Mandate the Use of E10

Every state in the U.S. sells gasoline mixed with ethanol. This corn-based alcohol additive is meant to burn cleaner and reduce the overall consumption of oil. Gasoline with 10 percent ethanol, known as E10, is sold in many places, but only a few states have passed laws mandating the exclusive use of E10 at the pumps.

  1. Minnesota

    • Minnesota is a front runner in the move to mix ethanol with gasoline. Drivers in Minnesota have been buying E10 for several years because it was the first state to introduce ethanol at gas stations. Legislation in 2005 mandated a move to E20, gasoline with a 20-percent mixture of ethanol, by 2013, pending federal approval.

      Ethanol also is a part of the state's financial health, providing more than 5,000 jobs in 14 ethanol plants and contributing $1.3 billion to the state economy, according to the New Rules Project website.

    Missouri

    • Missouri was the second state to pass a mandate on the sale of E10 at its gas stations and the third state to mandate the blended fuel. Only Minnesota's E10 mandate and a similar 8.5-percent mandate in Hawaii came before the 2008 Missouri Legislature's decision, according to the High Plains Journal website.

      In Missouri, as well as Minnesota, it is not required to label gas pumps where E10 is dispensed. However, many gas stations still label the pumps regardless of state requirements.

    Montana

    • Montana is among the states attempting to be a leader in the ethanol industry. Its E10 mandate was enacted in 2005 but will not be put into action until the state reaches ethanol production goals set by the Legislature. Montana must be able to produce 40 million gallons annually before the mandate kicks in.

      Montana law also requires that all gas sold in the state should include 10-percent ethanol, with the exception of 91 octane, according to the All Business website.

    Other State Mandates

    • Minnesota, Missouri and Montana are not alone in the quest to transition America into a nation that uses renewable fuels made domestically. But other states do not mandate the 10-percent blend.

      Hawaii has an 8.5 percent ethanol mandate, although many stations sell E10. Oregon and Washington also have mandates for ethanol at 2.5 percent and 2 percent, respectively.

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