Tag

Ethanol

All articles tagged with #ethanol

science14 hours ago•8 min saved

Nectar with a Buzz: Ethanol Found in Flowers Used by Pollinators

UC Berkeley researchers found ethanol in the nectar of 26 of 29 plant species, meaning bees and hummingbirds regularly ingest tiny amounts of alcohol as they forage; most levels are trace, with one sample at about 0.056% ethanol. For hummingbirds, this could amount to roughly the equivalent of a human one alcoholic drink per day; experiments show they tolerate modest alcohol but avoid higher concentrations, and feathers contain a metabolite indicating alcohol processing. The findings suggest dietary ethanol is widespread and may subtly affect pollinator behavior, with ongoing studies comparing intake across species.

via SciTechDaily|

#bees #ethanol #hummingbirds

politics13 days ago•24 min saved

House splits on year-round E15 as Congress moves on Ukraine aid and housing talks

House Republicans remain divided on a year-round E15 ethanol bill, with Emmer and McClain in support and Scalise opposed, while Johnson has not yet weighed in. The live updates also note Denise Powell’s Nebraska primary win for Don Bacon’s seat, a data breach exposing lawmakers’ prescription data, and ongoing efforts to advance Ukraine aid and a housing package ahead of the summer recess.

via Politico|

#ethanol #house-of-representatives #midterms

politics13 days ago•26 min saved

Lawler Says Rand Paul’s Son Hounded Him with an Antisemitic Tirade

Rep. Mike Lawler says he was accosted by Rand Paul’s son, William, who launched a 10-minute antisemitic tirade; Paul later apologized on X, attributing his remarks to drinking and saying he’s seeking help. Lawler, representing a district with a substantial Jewish population, pledged to continue defending his constituents. The live updates roundup also notes Denise Powell’s Nebraska primary win, a House vote to allow year-round E15 ethanol, a data breach affecting lawmakers’ prescription data, and additional Capitol Hill developments.

via Politico|

#antisemitism #capitol-hill #ethanol

politics13 days ago•17 min saved

GOP Split Over Year-Round E15 Fuel Bill Reveals Fresh Divide

House Republicans remain divided on a bill allowing year-round sales of the ethanol-heavy E15 fuel blend, with Rep. Tom Emmer and Rep. Lisa McClain signaling support, while Rep. Steve Scalise plans to vote against and Speaker Mike Johnson’s position is undecided. The update stream also covers a pending housing bill amendment, a Ukraine aid discharge petition, and ongoing GOP debates over Iran policy, crypto legislation, and a proposed reconciliation package, highlighting intra-party fault lines ahead of summer and midterms.

via Politico|

#congress #e15 #ethanol

politics26 days ago•11 min saved

House OKs Budget-Neutral Farm Bill, E15 Move Prompts Senate Scrutiny

The House passed its GOP-led, budget-neutral farm bill 224-200, but the path forward in the Senate remains uncertain amid disagreements over climate-smart agriculture and nutrition funding. An attached plan to allow year-round E15 was decoupled from the bill for a standalone vote, and a MAHA-backed pesticide-labeling provision was stripped in a separate vote, signaling more negotiations before any final act.

via Politico|

#budget-neutral #ethanol #farm-bill

technology1 month ago•4 min saved

E15 Fuel: Not All Engines Are Ready for It

The article explains that EPA waivers allow E15 (15% ethanol) in some newer vehicles, but many manufacturers do not authorize it for older models and using it in unsupported engines can cause rubber, plastic, and aluminum damage, water-induced fuel separation, and reduced octane and efficiency. It also notes that E15 is illegal for older engines and non-eligible equipment, may yield worse mileage due to ethanol’s lower density, and that the production and environmental claims around ethanol are not straightforward. Always verify manufacturer approval before refueling with E15.

via Jalopnik|

#compatibility #e15 #engines

energy2 months ago•6 min saved

May E15 Waiver Expands Ethanol Fuel Amid Global Tensions

From May 1–20 the EPA is allowing a temporary nationwide E15 (15% ethanol) waiver to let more stations sell this blend in a bid to bolster the domestic fuel supply amid geopolitical tensions. E15 is cheaper but has lower energy density, typically shaving about 1.5–2% off fuel economy (more in heavy use), and can damage older engines and small equipment not designed for higher ethanol content. Most 2001+ vehicles can run E15, but carbureted engines and some specialty equipment should avoid it. The policy also aims to simplify fuel markets by lightening “boutique” blends into a single national pool, though smog concerns in summer remain a consideration. Readers should verify fuel choices for their specific vehicle and equipment.

via The Drive|

#e15 #energy #epa

energy2 months ago•2 min saved

EPA Bets on Higher-Ethanol Fuel to Lower Gas Prices

The EPA will temporarily permit broader summer use of the higher-ethanol E15 blend to try to ease rising pump prices amid disruptions tied to the Iran war. Supporters say the move could lower costs and aid biofuel producers, while critics warn it may not be widely useful due to infrastructure and vehicle compatibility limits, could raise air-quality concerns, and may only shift costs within the economy rather than deliver clear price relief.

via The Guardian|

#biofuels #e15 #energy

energy2 months ago•3 min saved

EPA Expands E15 Access and Ditches Boutique Fuels to Stabilize Summer Gas Prices

The EPA, in coordination with the DOE and under the Clean Air Act, issued a temporary emergency waiver to allow nationwide sale of E15 and to remove state boutique fuel rules for E10, effective May 1–20, 2026, to bolster the U.S. fuel supply and reduce pump prices ahead of summer. The move relaxes low-volatility and blending limits and sets a nationwide 10 psi Reid Vapor Pressure standard, with E15 already available at about 3,000 stations. Officials say the action increases consumer choice and domestic energy independence while environmental protections remain intact, and the EPA may extend the waivers if conditions warrant.

via U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (.gov)|

#e15 #energy #epa

energy2 months ago•2 min saved

EPA temporarily loosens ethanol-blend rules to ease surging gas prices

The EPA will temporarily suspend summer restrictions on E15 (15% ethanol) and remove barriers to E10 (10% ethanol) to help prevent fuel-supply disruptions as prices rise amid tensions with Iran, with waivers in effect May 1–May 20 and potential extensions as needed.

via CNBC|

#e10 #e15 #energy

science8 months ago•2 min saved

Wild chimpanzees' fermented fruit diet supports 'drunken monkey' theory

Wild chimpanzees in Uganda and Côte d'Ivoire consume fermented fruit containing about 0.3% alcohol, which amounts to roughly two human cocktails per day, highlighting their natural exposure to alcohol through diet.

via CBS News|

#alcohol #chimpanzees #ethanol

technology10 months ago•3 min saved

Ethanol's Rising Role in Saving Drivers Money and Powering Summer Travel

Ethanol has been used in gasoline for over a century, primarily to boost octane and reduce emissions, but its benefits and drawbacks are debated. While it can improve engine performance and environmental impact when used in small amounts, higher concentrations like E85 can cause engine issues, especially in older vehicles. Most modern cars are designed to run on a 10% ethanol blend, but the overall environmental and economic impacts of ethanol fuel remain contentious.

via Jalopnik|

#engine #environment #ethanol

energy11 months ago•3 min saved

Brazil boosts biofuel mandates to enhance energy independence and attract investments

Brazil's government has approved increasing biofuel blends in gasoline and diesel, with ethanol rising to 30% and biodiesel to 15%, making the country gasoline self-sufficient for the first time in 15 years, boosting energy security and decarbonization efforts.

via Reuters|

#biodiesel #biofuels #brazil

environment2 years ago•2 min saved

"EPA Permits Summer Sales of Higher Ethanol Gasoline Amid Global Conflicts"

The EPA has allowed the nationwide sale of gasoline blended with 15% ethanol for the third consecutive summer, citing global conflicts impacting the fuel supply. The decision has been praised by the biofuels industry and politicians in Midwestern states, while environmentalists have raised concerns about increased carbon releases due to ethanol production. The waiver is temporary and aims to prevent fuel shortages and protect air quality amidst global conflicts.

via The Associated Press|

#environment #environmental-impact #epa

politics2 years ago•2 min saved

"Ethanol Policy Changes: Impact on Gas Prices and Aviation Industry"

The Biden administration is expected to ease seasonal restrictions on ethanol-gasoline blends, known as E15 gasoline, after the 2024 election, following a request from midwestern governors. This rule change could potentially spike gas prices, particularly in battleground states with large corn industries, but the administration aims to avoid the impact on the 2024 election. Top oil refiners have warned against the change, citing logistical complications and increased price risks, while the ethanol industry has lobbied for the expansion. The new rule change would only affect midwestern states, but there are calls for a country-wide expansion to mitigate refiners' concerns about area shortages.

via Daily Caller|

#2024-election #biden-administration #epa