The absurd concept of “ethanol gas” needs our media to give it a spotlight. It needs to be exposed for the sham it is, for the harm it does, for the logic-free support our Congress has given it thus far, and for how much it will cost everyone in Maine.

We are headed for the summer season. The alcohol in “ethanol,” we now know, will dissolve rubber and plastic parts in small engines and blow the residue into carburetors and fuel pumps, etc. Lawn mowers will get ruined, ATVs will get ruined, outboard motors will get ruined, chain saws will get ruined, all because of ethanol gas. And it is no longer possible to buy any gas without ethanol!

Even as we speak, there is a group lawsuit in Florida against many fuel-producing companies filed by boat owners and marina owners concerned about damage to marine engines. We need to do the same. 

I have written my legislators and a response from Sen. Susan Collins shows that she (a) understands the importance of the problem (b) understands the damage ethanol can cause and the costs that you and I will pay for repairs and (c) is doing something about it. And she is working on legislation to require research on the adverse affects of ethanol on small engines. She “gets it.” 

This is a problem we all share. And it will cost everyone. In these tough economic times, we need to reduce costs, not allow Congress to increase them through thoughtless decisions … like mandating ethanol fuel.

Write your legislators and tell them it’s time to eliminate ethanol fuels and return to “real” gasoline. 

Dan L. Davidson

Cape Elizabeth