Oxygenated fuel still flowing in Utah County

PROVO — Can Utah County now say goodbye to the much-despised oxygenated fuel?

Not yet.

Utah County Commissioner Gary Herbert said the lift on a ban that prohibited Utah County from receiving federal money for road projects because of non-conformity to air-quality rules isn't directly tied to the requirement to have the fuel additive.

"They are two different things," Herbert said.

"Although you might want to stay tuned," he said. "We may start pushing" to be removed from the list of areas required to have the fuel.

Oxygenated fuel is required because high carbon monoxide levels were recorded in past years.

In Utah County, the oxygenated fuel season runs from Nov. 1 to Feb. 28. Utah County motorists curse the oxygenated fuel, saying it harms vehicle performance.