Ethanol at 15% in the united states

[sbrguy]

i know no political action issues are to be put up, but i put this link to an article in the Latimes the other day.

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-ethanol-20110121,0,7468576.story

it basically says that the EPA is trying to get 15% ethanol in gasoline and are saying its ok to put in vehicles.

i know other threads have mentioned this but it appears that this may be going forward more now.

this is not a thread to bash or promote it, we all know everyones views on this issue runs the gamut.  please do not put up responses saying how you are for or against ethanol.

i would just suggest that if you are for or against ethanol 15% in gasoline that you contact the EPA, or your local congressman to tell them how you feel regarding this issue either pro or con.

thanks.

[Greg]

This is not going to happen anytime soon, just because the EPA says 2001 and newer model vehicles may use E15, there is still the issue of older cars and trucks. Plus they have not waived the fuel for use in boats, motorcycles, lawn mowers, generators, etc.

I've been in the refining business for over 20 years and I can tell you that unless the EPA or other entity will waive liability for refiners it will not get produced.

[He Man]

10% works. Ive seen 15% in some parts of florida, it worked too.

I'm not sure how the prices are going to change, but isnt ethanol more expensive?

[Greg]

I'm not sure how the prices are going to change, but isnt ethanol more expensive?

Sometimes, just depends on oil prices and corn prices. Right now ethanol and gasoline are pretty close on price

[Oldfisti]

Don't forget to factor in for increased consumption as well.

It takes twice the amount of ethanol per volume of air over gasoline to burn properly in an engine.

[Raux]

Ok, I think I finally got this ethanol thing understood

-It produces cleaner emisions per gallon than 100% gas
-It's less efficient than gas so takes more to get go the same amount of miles thereby probably producing close to the same emissions per se per year
-You drive the same amount of miles per year so you consume more fuel, thereby spending more money
-It consumes corn which raises stock feed and food prices
-The cost difference is negligible compared to 100% gas

Tell me again why it is even produced?

[zarn02]

Tell me again why it is even produced?

Pretty sure we can't even begin to address that here on the board.

[mitt]

Ok, I think I finally got this ethanol thing understood

-It produces cleaner emisions per gallon than 100% gas
-It's less efficient than gas so takes more to get go the same amount of miles thereby probably producing close to the same emissions per se per year
-You drive the same amount of miles per year so you consume more fuel, thereby spending more money
-It consumes corn which raises stock feed and food prices
-The cost difference is negligible compared to 100% gas

Tell me again why it is even produced?

You forgot a couple
-it damages gas tanks, seals, O2 sensors, etc etc etc.
-farmers take out CRP and other set aside land and wetlands to maximize corn yields when the price is high thus damaging the environment


We all know the answer why it is produced, and it cannot be discussed here.   

mitt

[Scissors]

Funny how E15 seems to be more controversial than E85, despite it having far less ethanol.   

[Howie]

Funny how E15 seems to be more controversial than E85, despite it having far less ethanol.  

E85 is a good fuel (politics, environmental issues, etc. aside) since it is used in vehicles designed for it.  E10 has a proven bad track record, E15 will be worse.  You think we have running problems and material compatibility now?  Just wait!

[herm]

plus, E85 is made from dead squirrels!

[sbrguy]

i don't think people have as much problems with E85 since there are specific vehicles that are engineered and labeled to use this fuel. 

That and the fact that in the US there are specific E85 pumps that you see at some gas stations, so if you don't want to use it you don't have to. 

Its not like that with E10 which is basically in every pump in the US, you can't "decide not to use it" since every blend of gas has it in it.  There is no choice you have to use E10 whether you like it or not, and what many fear is that if E15 is approved it will be like E10 and be the basis of gasoline everywhere in the US, unlike E85 which is not as prevelant.

[Howie]

plus, E85 is made from dead squirrels!

One can only hope

[Silver King]

plus, E85 is made from dead squirrels!

renewable resource 

[Kopfjager]

 www.pure-gas.org