JEFFERSON CITY - Missouri lawmakers voted Wednesday to block a proposed change in Missouri gasoline makeup that some said would make gas cheaper for drivers.

The vote restricted the state Department of Agriculture from increasing the maximum amount of ethanol in gasoline from 10 percent to 15 percent.

Chairman of the legislative panel, Sen. Eric Schmitt, R-St. Louis County, said the committee shot down the proposal not wholly because of the content, but more so the process.

"What we were saying was, that may all be well and good but the appropriate course of action there is by legislation and not by administrative rule," Schmitt said.

Schmitt said he is very open to the idea of an increased cap, but would have to see how it played out during the session to determine how he would stand on the issue.

The legislative panel met throughout the week to hear testimony from multiple sources, including Ron Leone the Executive Director of the Missouri Petroleum Marketers and Convenience Store Association said he worried about the effect of ethanol blend 15 gas, also known as E15, on older cars.

"It will cause misfueling of your constituents and it will potentially cause damage to engines and void vehicle warranties," Leone said Monday. 

Christy Moore, a representative from the Renewable Energy Association, disagrees with the claims against E15 and said there have been no reports of misfueling, engine damage or liability claims against retailers who do offer that type of gasoline.

Moore also said the proposed higher ethanol content could cut gas costs for consumers.

Jessica Mensch contributed to this report