PORTLAND (AP) — A retired mechanic concerned that ethanol in gas is contributing to Maine’s opioid crisis may have inspired Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s recent move to study ethanol’s effect on health.
The Portland Press Herald is reporting that a Republican state legislator has been studying the issue with 77-year-old Ralph Stevens, of South Berwick, for more than six years.
Republican Rep. Beth O’Connor had sent LePage a letter signed by 85 legislators and a copy of Stevens’ written testimony to urge him to take action.
LePage last week issued an executive order requiring state agencies to fuel vehicles with gasoline that has less than 5 percent ethanol, if possible and not cost prohibitive.
The Press Herald reports that O’Connor asserts the additive exacerbates post-traumatic stress disorder and causes depression and anger.
The Times Record Sustaining Sponsor
We believe a community must be informed to thrive. bowdoin.edu
Comments are not available on this story. Read more about why we allow commenting on some stories and not on others.
We believe it's important to offer commenting on certain stories as a benefit to our readers. At its best, our comments sections can be a productive platform for readers to engage with our journalism, offer thoughts on coverage and issues, and drive conversation in a respectful, solutions-based way. It's a form of open discourse that can be useful to our community, public officials, journalists and others.
We do not enable comments on everything — exceptions include most crime stories, and coverage involving personal tragedy or sensitive issues that invite personal attacks instead of thoughtful discussion.
You can read more here about our commenting policy and terms of use. More information is also found on our FAQs.
Show less