In an attempt to lower gasoline prices, the Biden administration wants to switch to a fuel that is potentially dirtier than regular gasoline, the White House said today.
United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) plans to issue an emergency waiver that will allow year-round sales of a fuel called E15which is banned in much of the US during the summer months when smog is a major hazard.
E15 is a mixture of gasoline with an ethanol content of up to 15%, fuel from vegetable raw materials. The move is expected to save Americans money and reduce dependence on foreign oil supplies, since ethanol can be made from local corn.
Most gasoline in the United States is already blended with up to 10% ethanol. The summer ban has been in effect since 2011. this was based on concerns that more ethanol in the fuel could lead to more smog.
smogfor those who don’t know What is a low-lying cloud of carbon dioxide called? soot, smoke and dust in suspension, formed over large cities or industrial centers.
The addition of ethanol can increase the amount of smog-causing pollutants that enter the atmosphere. These pollutants can react with sunlight, creating more smog, which is a big problem during the sunniest summer months.
Growing all that corn for fuel could also increase greenhouse gas emissions.
EPA”will work with states across the country to ensure there is no significant impact on air quality during the summer driving season.“, the White House newsletter reads.
Proponents of E15 have argued for years that this fuel is not much worse in air quality than other gasoline blends. Legislators from both the Democratic and Republican parties recently introduced bills that would lift restrictions on the E15.
Estimated cost savings with the E15 is also up for debate. The White House fact sheet says E15 could save consumers 10 cents per gallon of gasoline.average.
But even if it’s cheaper ethanol has about a third less energy than gasoline. Thus fueling costs should be low enough to compensate for the slight loss in fuel efficiency that comes with a higher proportion of ethanol in the fuel.
Now, E15 is not very popular in America. It is only sold at 2,300 gas stations in 30 states.. But this may begin to change.
Source: Computer Hoy
