All articles tagged with #ethanol
The EPA issued an emergency waiver enabling earlier sale of the summer E10 gasoline blend in California to boost supply and lower prices, effective Sept. 1–Sept. 15 with possible extensions. California is averaging about $5.59 per gallon due to an isolated market, refinery closures and imports, and the move is intended to bring relief for Golden State drivers.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.