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HB 454

requiring that retailers of fuel blends with 15% ethanol also offer fuel blends with 10% or lower ethanol content.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Greg Hill and 1 co-sponsor

Retailers selling E15 must also offer fuel with 10% or less ethanol at the same location.

Refer for Interim Study: MA VV 01/07/2026 HJ 1 P. 45
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Bill Summary · HB 454

Summary of HB 454 (New Hampshire, 2026 Session)

Title

Requiring that retailers of fuel blends with 15% ethanol also offer fuel blends with 10% or lower ethanol content.

Purpose and Intent

The bill proposes a regulatory requirement aimed at ensuring consumer options for gasoline engaging in ethanol blends. Specifically, retailers that sell fuel blends containing 15% ethanol (commonly E15) would be obligated to also make available fuel blends with lower ethanol content (10% or less, i.e., E10 or below). The intent appears to broaden consumer choice and potentially support compatibility with a wider range of vehicles and engines, as well as offer alternatives for customers who prefer or respond to ethanol content differences.

Key Provisions (as drafted in concept)

  • Applicability: Retailers that sell fuels containing 15% ethanol (E15) would be required to offer at least one alternative fuel product with ethanol content at or below 10% (E10 or lower) at the same retail location.
  • Product availability: The 10% or lower ethanol content fuel must be offered for purchase in a manner and under terms comparable to the sale of the 15% ethanol blend, ensuring meaningful consumer access.
  • Compliance and enforcement: The bill would define methods for verifying compliance by retailers, likely including labeling, stocking, and reporting requirements, with potential penalties or corrective action for noncompliance (details would be specified in the enacted language or accompanying regulatory provisions).
  • Effective date: The measure would include a timeline for retailers to transition or adjust inventory, clarifying when the requirement becomes enforceable.
  • Exemptions: The bill may include typical regulatory exemptions (e.g., small businesses, remote locations, or situations affecting supply), though specific exemptions are not listed in the provided information.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Fuel retailers and gasoline stations that currently market and sell 15% ethanol blends (E15) would be directly impacted.
  • Consumers who use vehicles compatible with E15 and those seeking lower-ethanol options would experience expanded product availability at affected retail sites.
  • Suppliers and distributors of ethanol blends may be indirectly affected due to changes in stocking requirements and product mix.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced and Referral: The bill was introduced and referred to the Commerce and Consumer Affairs Committee (January 2025).
  • Public Process: The bill has undergone multiple committee steps, including public hearings, subcommittee work sessions, executive sessions, and a committee report. Notable milestones:
    • Public hearing: February 19, 2025
    • Subcommittee work session: March 12, 2025
    • Executive sessions and committee work sessions: March–October 2025
    • Committee report: October 28, 2025 (vote 17-0 in committee, referred for interim study)
    • Interim study referral: January 7, 2026 (House Journal reference)
  • Interim Study: The bill was referred for interim study, indicating that, at least initially, the Legislature would pause formal passage to study the issue further before any potential final passage.

Practical Considerations

  • Market and supply implications: Retailers would need to manage inventory to guarantee availability of E10 or lower alongside E15, which could affect shelf space, shelf labeling, and procurement practices.
  • Vehicle compatibility: E10 is broadly compatible with most modern gasoline engines, while E15 has more limited compatibility; the bill could influence consumer choice for drivers with older vehicles or engines with ethanol content concerns.
  • Regulatory coordination: If enacted, additional regulatory guidance would likely be issued to define compliance, labeling standards, and any transitional assistance or exemptions.

Bottom Line

HB 454 seeks to ensure that retailers offering 15% ethanol gasoline also provide an option with 10% or less ethanol content, enhancing consumer choice and potentially addressing vehicle compatibility considerations. The bill has progressed through extensive committee review and is currently referred for interim study, indicating further evaluation before any final enactment.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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