Acceptance of ethanol-blended gasoline in Oklahoma

Prior to January 2003, ethanol-blended gasoline had not been available to the Oklahoma consumer for the past two decades. In the fall of 2002, a study was conducted to assess consumers’ knowledge and perception of this fuel. A total of 685 responses was received using a mail survey sent to a random sample of Oklahoma registered voters. Based on these responses, a majority of consumers perceived that ethanol-blended gasoline is better for the environment than gasoline. Respondents indicated that a reduction in foreign oil dependency was the greatest potential benefit in using ethanol-blended gasoline. Consumers perceived that ethanol would have a positive effect on Oklahoma’s economy. Cost was the most important variable for consumers when deciding to purchase ethanol-blended gasoline. Nearly two-thirds of the respondents indicated they would purchase ethanol-blended gasoline if it were available in the state.