Chicago is one step closer to becoming the first city to require gas stations to carry a different kind of gasoline. E15 is a new, higher octane fuel blend consisting of 15 percent ethanol and 85 percent gasoline. An ordinance to require the sale of E15 at Chicago gas stations passed City Council's Finance Committee today with the backing of its powerful chairman, Ald. Ed Burke (14th).

Opponents of the proposed law say it will cost gas stations tens of thousands of dollars to add an E15 pump, and it will ruin the engines of vehicles that are not equipped to handle this kind of fuel. Supporters believe it's a cleaner fuel, it will help the air, and that Chicago should lead the way on clean energy technology. The ordinance is up for vote at Wednesday's City Council meeting. Read a fact sheet about using E15 in your car.

Web Exclusive: Argument Against E15 Ordinance

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) approved E15 for model year 2001 cars and newer, light-duty trucks, SUVs, and all flex-fuel vehicles. As of May 2014, 78 stations across 12 states offer E15, including one site to-be-determined in Michigan.

View a map of E15 stations by state.

--Map by Travis Cornejo;Source:Renewable Fuels Association

Read my live tweets about the ordinance from today's City Council meeting.

Ordinance to require sale of #E15 blend at Chicago gas stations passes finance committee

— Paris Schutz (@paschutz) December 8, 2014

Ald Beale says #E15 ordinance is about "leaving a better world for our kids" pic.twitter.com/DtNwhwxeq1

— Paris Schutz (@paschutz) December 8, 2014

City council Finance Committee set to vote on requiring city gas stations to offer 15% ethanol/gas blend pic.twitter.com/WUxHepnw8U

— Paris Schutz (@paschutz) December 8, 2014

File Attachments:

E15 Fact Sheet.pdf