Update references relating to automotive spark-ignition engine fuel
Summary
LB593 updates Nebraska law governing automotive spark-ignition engine fuel by replacing the state’s existing statutory reference with an incorporated ASTM International standard. The bill directs the Legislature to adopt by reference ASTM publication D4814, the standard specification for automotive spark-ignition engine fuel, and requires the Department of Agriculture to file copies of that publication with the Secretary of State and Clerk of the Legislature.
Beginning on the bill’s effective date, all automotive spark-ignition engine fuel sold in Nebraska must meet the ASTM D4814 specification. The bill also defines the term to mean gasoline and its blends with oxygenates such as alcohols and ethers. It repeals the original section of statute that previously governed the same subject, effectively modernizing the fuel-quality reference in state law.
Impact
The bill changes Nebraska’s fuel standards law by updating the incorporated technical specification for gasoline and related spark-ignition engine fuels. It affects fuel sellers, distributors, and potentially regulators and inspectors by tying compliance to the current ASTM standard rather than the prior statutory language. Violations are penalized as a Class I misdemeanor for a first offense and a Class IV felony for subsequent offenses, so the bill preserves and continues enforcement authority while updating the underlying standard.
Sentiment
The bill appears to have been noncontroversial and broadly supported. It advanced 43-0 and passed final reading 47-0-2, indicating unanimous or near-unanimous legislative approval. No committee transcript objections are available, and the voting history suggests the measure was viewed as a routine technical update rather than a policy dispute.
Contention
There is little visible contention in the available record. Because the bill simply updates a statutory cross-reference to an industry standard, any concerns would likely have centered on whether Nebraska should continue incorporating ASTM standards by reference and whether the updated standard should be the operative benchmark for fuel sold in the state. However, the unanimous votes and lack of recorded debate suggest no significant opposition from lawmakers, regulators, or affected fuel industry stakeholders.