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Ethanol

All articles tagged with #ethanol

energy15 days 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

energy16 days 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

energy17 days 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

energy17 days 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

science6 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

technology9 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

energy9 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

energy-policy2 years ago•2 min saved

"Biden Administration to Greenlight Year-Round E15 Gasoline Sales by 2025, Despite Potential Price Spike Delay"

The Biden administration is set to approve a request from Midwest governors to allow year-round sales of E15 gasoline, containing 15% ethanol, starting in 2025, a year later than initially proposed. This decision, likely influenced by the upcoming U.S. election, aims to address concerns from both the biofuel and oil industries. The move is controversial, with ethanol groups preferring a nationwide legislative fix, while oil refiners warn of logistical complications and fuel supply risks.

via Reuters|

#biden-administration #e15-gasoline #energy-policy

business2 years ago•1 min saved

"Sheetz Gas Stations Offer $1.99 per Gallon for Thanksgiving Weekend"

Sheetz, an operator of 670 gas stations in the mid-Atlantic, will sell unleaded 88 gasoline for $1.99 per gallon at its Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia locations over the Thanksgiving weekend. The offer is valid until the end of Monday. However, only vehicles from 2001 and newer can use this type of gas, which is blended with 15% ethanol. While unleaded 88 may result in a 4%-5% drop in fuel economy compared to regular gas, the difference in efficiency is only around 1%-2% when compared to most gas sold in the U.S. Given the current gas prices averaging between $3.10 and $3.59 in the Mid-Atlantic, the discounted price is still worth considering.

via Scripps News|

#business #ethanol #fuel-economy

energy-and-environment2 years ago•2 min saved

Navigator Abandons Iowa Carbon Capture Pipeline Project

Navigator CO2 Ventures has canceled its controversial carbon capture pipeline project, known as the Heartland Greenway, which would have spanned 1,300 miles across South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois. The pipeline aimed to transport carbon dioxide emissions from over 20 industrial plants to an underground storage facility in Illinois. The decision to cancel the project was made due to financial considerations, disappointing customers and supporters. Similar projects are planned in other Midwest states, driven by federal tax credits and the potential to make ethanol more marketable in states with stricter air quality standards.

via KCCI Des Moines|

#carbon-capture #energy-and-environment #ethanol

technology2 years ago•3 min saved

Ethanol's Game-Changing Impact on Nanosensor Production

Engineers at Macquarie University have developed a new technique to manufacture nanosensors using a single drop of ethanol, significantly reducing carbon emissions, costs, and processing time. The conventional method involves heating materials to high temperatures, which can damage the sensors. The researchers found that adding ethanol to the sensor surface allows the nanoparticles to self-assemble and eliminate gaps, improving the efficiency and responsiveness of the sensors. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the trillion-dollar nanosensor industry by expanding the range of materials that can be used and making the manufacturing process more efficient.

via Phys.org|

#efficiency #ethanol #manufacturing

politics2 years ago•6 min saved

"Trump's Ethanol Triumphs and DeSantis Clash in Iowa"

Former President Donald Trump declared himself "the most pro-farmer president in history" during a speech in Iowa, aiming to rally support from the agricultural sector. He criticized his top Republican rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, for lacking action on ethanol and warned that a DeSantis administration would be "catastrophic for Iowa's economy." Trump touted his accomplishments for farmers, including renegotiating trade deals and implementing tariffs on China. However, his relationship with farming and renewable fuel groups in Iowa has been contentious, with some criticizing his administration's waivers allowing oil refineries to opt out of blending ethanol and biodiesel into their fuel.

via Des Moines Register|

#donald-trump #ethanol #farmers

politics2 years ago•2 min saved

Trump Takes Aim at DeSantis in Iowa Over Farming and Ethanol

Former President Donald Trump criticized his top Republican rival, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, at a rally in Iowa, accusing him of being detrimental to the agriculture industry. Trump claimed that DeSantis would outsource farming jobs and oppose the federal mandate for ethanol, a significant issue in Iowa. DeSantis had previously supported legislation to end the renewable fuel standard, which requires blending biofuel into gasoline nationwide. Trump highlighted his own support for farmers and accused DeSantis of wanting to kill jobs supported by the vital industry. A spokesperson for DeSantis dismissed Trump's comments as distortions and affirmed DeSantis' commitment to championing farmers.

via The New York Times|

#agriculture #donald-trump #ethanol