This is since the 70s when ETOH was gaining ground in the corn states. Keep in mind that many states mandate that at least 10% ETOH must be in gasoline.
I do not believe any state to date requires 10% ethanol in gasoline. Do you have any information concerning that?
Legislative Actions: State
http://www.ethanolrfa.org/policy/actions/state/
Minnesota requires 10% ethanol in most but not all gasoline sources.
The Ethanol Industry in Minnesota
http://www.house.leg.state.mn.us/hrd/issinfo/ssethnl.htm
Also see:
State Mandates & Incentives
http://drivingethanol.org/ethanol_facts/public_state_mandates.aspx