Rule Allowing Sale of 85-octane Gasoline Approved

PIERRE,S.D.(AP) - A state legislative committee has approved a rule allowing the sale of 85-octane gasoline in western South Dakota, but only until next June 30.

The Rules Review Committee was deadlocked a month ago on whether to allow retailers in western South Dakota to sell the lower-grade blend permanently. The compromise version approved Wednesday means the 2013 Legislature will have to decide whether to extend the sale of 85-octane gasoline beyond June.

After discovering that state law forbids the sale of the low-octane fuel, state officials passed emergency rules making 85-octane gasoline legal in South Dakota, to prevent a fuel shortage. Officials then proposed a permanent rule to allow the sale of 85-octane gasoline in western South Dakota, where it has been sold for decades.