Energy Policy: minimize fuel formulations

Formulations for gasoline have proliferated. Manufacturing and distribution of these multiple formulations complicates distribution and sales, reduces effective use of the oil stock, and increases cost.

There are seasonal formulations. There are formulations demanded by regional and state agencies. There are formulations to address differences in altitude and climate. There are formulations that address brand-related 'advantages' and performance differentiation.

I believe there is sufficient 'national interest' to justify intervention by the federal government with policies that would simplify and standardize the regulations that lead to this proliferation of formulations.

• Reduce the number of octane levels to two (though a mid-grade might be offered as the pump-produced mix of low and high octane formulations).
  
• Require that automotive diesel be available at all retail dispensers (utilizing the now available third storage tank).
  
• Reduce the regional variations to those that minimize consumption, e.g., those that address climate and altitude requirements.
  

These policies would result in simplified distribution of fuel, increase competition for standardized fuel products, and an overall reduction of production and distribution cost.

I believe that states would acquiesce to these federal standards as they become convinced that there is a comprehensive federal energy policy.