HB 5851 Summary

• Establishes fuel quality standards for gasoline, ethanol blends, diesel fuel, biodiesel, and biodiesel blends sold in Michigan by referencing specific ASTM standards including D4814-11b for automotive spark-ignition engine fuel and D5798-11 for ethanol fuel blends.

• Allows ethanol-blended gasoline to exceed normal vapor pressure limits by up to 1.0 psi from June 1 through September 15 for blends containing 9-10% ethanol, and by 1.0 psi (or 0.5 psi for volatility class E) from September 16 through May 31 for blends containing 1% or more ethanol.

• Sets maximum vapor pressure standards at 9.0 psi for retail outlets June 1 through September 15, except in counties where lower limits (7.0 or 7.8 psi) were established in 2007 or later.

• Prohibits methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE) as a fuel additive in the state.

• Requires motor fuel storage tanks at retail outlets to be tested and maintained so water or water-alcohol levels do not exceed 1/2 inch, and prohibits fuel sales if contamination exceeds this threshold.

• Requires hydrogen fuel sellers to register with and obtain department approval before offering the product for sale in Michigan.