3/26/08-The Senate Energy, Environment and Economic Development Committee rejected a measure that was intended to help ensure consumers get what they pay for at the fuel pump.
Sponsored by Sen. Peter Burling, D-Cornish, SB382 addressed the problem of “hot fuel.” It was ruled “inexpedient to legislate,” effectively killing it for the year.
Federal government standards put a gallon of fuel at 231 cubic inches at 60 degrees. The 60-degree mark is a century-old standard for the petroleum industry. When fuel is above the temperature threshold, the price becomes an issue for consumers because the amount of energy it produces drops, meaning fewer miles to the gallon.
The bill would have required a gallon of diesel or gasoline to have its volume adjusted for changes in temperature. The state’s Department of Environmental Services would have defined the size of a temperature-adjusted gallon of fuel.
The department would have taken into account the historical average temperature in the state; the amount by which a gallon of fuel at 60 degrees expands or contracts when heated or cooled to the historical average temperature; and use the amount of expansion or contraction to determine the size of a temperature-adjusted gallon.
By Jan. 2011, the department would have been required to inspect each retail diesel and gasoline pump in the state to ensure compliance with the rules.

1/14/08-A bill in the Senate Energy, Environment and Economic Development Committee is intended to help ensure consumers get what they pay for at the fuel pump.
Sponsored by Sen. Peter Burling, D-Cornish, SB382 addresses the problem of “hot fuel.”
Federal government standards put a gallon of fuel at 231 cubic inches at 60 degrees. The 60-degree mark is a century-old standard for the petroleum industry. When fuel is above the temperature threshold, the price becomes an issue for consumers because the amount of energy it produces drops, meaning fewer miles to the gallon.
The bill would require a gallon of diesel or gasoline to have its volume adjusted for changes in temperature. The state’s Department of Environmental Services would define the size of a temperature-adjusted gallon of fuel.
The department would take into account the historical average temperature in the state; the amount by which a gallon of fuel at 60 degrees expands or contracts when heated or cooled to the historical average temperature; and use the amount of expansion or contraction to determine the size of a temperature-adjusted gallon.
By Jan. 2011, the department would be required to inspect each retail diesel and gasoline pump in the state to ensure compliance with the rules.
For Senate bill status, call (603) 271-3420.