Drivers May Soon Have Fewer Choices at the Pump

By Rusty Surette, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- A federal law set to go in to affect soon will require all oil companies to mix biofuels with gasoline. That would end the option for consumers who only purchase ethanol-free gasoline at gas stations.

There is some good news for those opposed to the plan. Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe said he opposed a mandate on ethanol in gasoline and plans to unveil legislation that would allow states to opt out of the federal law.

"We're going to do what we can. We think we have a good opt-out because we're a state that does produce and refine, and I think that puts us in a different situation," said Sen. Inhofe from his Washington office last week. "It's a tough controversial issue. I don't want to do away with ethanol. I merely want to have Oklahoma as the one state where you still have a choice."

Sen. Inhofe said his legislation is drafted, and he has a key number of democrats on his side. He said he plans to present the legislation following the July 4 break.