PORTLAND, Maine (AP) — A retired mechanic concerned that ethanol in gas is contributing to Maine’s opioid crisis may have inspired Republican Gov. Paul LePage’s recent move to study ethanol’s effect on health.

The Portland Press Herald is reporting that a Republican state legislator has been studying the issue with 77-year-old Ralph Stevens, of South Berwick, for more than six years.

Republican Rep. Beth O’Connor had sent LePage a letter signed by 85 legislators and a copy of Stevens’ written testimony to urge him to take action.

LePage last week issued an executive order requiring state agencies to fuel vehicles with gasoline that has less than 5 percent ethanol, if possible and not cost prohibitive.

The Press Herald reports that O’Connor asserts the additive exacerbates post-traumatic stress disorder and causes depression and anger.