AAA Applauds House Committee Passage of Gas Quality Consumer Protection Bill

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 25, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- AAA officials applauded House Agriculture Committee passage on Monday of a consumer protection bill that would authorize the state to test the octane level and quality of gasoline sold at the pump. Senate Bill 341, sponsored by Senator Greenleaf (R-Bucks) passed the Senate by a unanimous vote in April. AAA has strongly supported the measure which would join Pennsylvania with 47 other states with similar gasoline testing programs. 

"We are pleased to have the strong bipartisan support of House Agriculture Chairmen John Maher (R-Allegheny) and Joseph Petrarca (D-Armstrong)," said Ted Leonard, Executive Director of the PA AAA Federation. "With gas prices hovering around $4 a gallon, it is increasingly important that Pennsylvanians get the quality and quantity of every gallon of gasoline they purchase. The testing and proper labeling of octane will become even more important since the federal government has approved increased ethanol in gasoline."  Leonard noted that motorists are often not aware of gas quality as the source of vehicle problems such as failing fuel pumps, fuel injector problems, and vehicle stalling and sputtering. "Pennsylvania motorists can suffer twice from poor gasoline; first by overpaying for the improper octane level, and secondly, for vehicle damage caused by contaminated gasoline," said Leonard.  In a recent survey of AAA members in Pennsylvania, an overwhelming 85% supported a state gas testing program. 

"Good news is just around the corner for Pennsylvania motorists," said Representative Maher, "as the House Agriculture Committee voted out the proposed new law allowing officials to test whether consumers are actually getting the octane that they pay for."

Senate Bill 341, which received unanimous approval of the House Agriculture Committee, now moves to the House floor for full House approval.  AAA supports this effort to protect motorists at a time of record gas prices.

SOURCE Pennsylvania AAA Federation