Enforce low-octane gas law

Argus Leader, Sioux Falls, S.D.: Recently, Gov. Dennis Daugaard issued an emergency order to allow the sale of 85-octane gasoline across the state. While the rule is temporary, we think it offers little real solution to the dilemma the state faces over mislabeled and inferior quality fuel.

It is good that Daugaard now is insisting that the low-octane fuel be labeled correctly so consumers know what they’re getting. A state-purchased sampling system might help. And it is important the issue gets a review, but it obviously isn’t going to happen during the tourism season.

All of these steps are not the real answer, however.

Breaking down the steps Daugaard is taking, it is important that we not lose sight of the real problems.

First, in making 85-octane gas legal, it has been sold in numerous places already so the rule change simply covers suppliers for any illegal sales. Daugaard also asked for Attorney General Marty Jackley to issue a formal decision on whether it is legal to sell it, even though Jackley already has publicly said it is not. A review earlier this year said it is illegal and has been since 1988. The fuel-quality testing equipment the state is buying sounds good, but the devices aren’t entirely accurate in identifying mislabeled fuel. And finally, why not start talking about the rules now and why they aren’t being enforced. Why wait 90 days?