EPA Rams E15 Through

EPA Approves E15 Fuel for more vehicles

WASHINGTON -- Nearly two-thirds of cars on the road could have more corn-based ethanol in their fuel tanks under an Environmental Protection Agency decision Friday. The agency said that 15 percent ethanol blended with gasoline is safe for cars and light-duty trucks manufactured between 2001 and 2006, expanding an October decision that the higher blend is safe for cars built since 2007. The maximum gasoline blend has been 10 percent ethanol.

 Gasahol, particularly with corn-based ethanol is just such a lousy idea from so many perspectives, as I've already outlined.  So why did they do it?

The fuel is popular in farm country because most ethanol comes from corn and other grains..."It seems like corn growers and the ethanol industry are the only real winners here," said Craig Cox of the Environmental Working Group, an advocacy group that opposes use of the fuel.

Yep, it's a political sop to the corn industry, soaking up corn, raising prices for food, causing more land to go to crop instead of being left fallow for wildlife, and producing lousy fuel to boot.

"Any new fuel's success depends on how it's accepted by consumers, and automakers still have concerns on behalf of our customers," said a statement from the Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers, which represents General Motors, Toyota, Ford, Chrysler and other automakers. "We believe more research is needed to determine how increased ethanol levels could affect vehicles that were designed and warranted for (10 percent ethanol)."

But maybe, if we just won't buy it, it won't happen.We have that power.