The world is suffering from a general rise in prices, especially those related to energy. For this reason, the White House has decided to approve a fuel that is much worse than gasoline.
In an attempt to lower gasoline prices, the Biden administration wants to turn to a fuel that is potentially dirtier than regular gasoline, the White House announced today.
The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has planned to issue an emergency waiver that will allow the year-round sale of a fuel called E15which is banned in most of the US during the summer months, when smog is a greater risk.
E15 is a blend of gasoline with up to 15% ethanol, a fuel made from plant material. This move is supposed to save Americans money and reduce dependence on foreign oil supplies, since ethanol can be made from locally grown corn.
Most gasoline in the United States is already blended with up to 10% ethanol. The summer ban has been in place since 2011 and it was based on concerns that more ethanol in the fuel could lead to more smog.
the smog isfor those who do not know, What is a low-lying cloud of carbon dioxide called? soot, smoke and dust in suspension that forms over large cities or industrial centers.
The addition of ethanol could increase the amount of smog-causing pollutants that enter the atmosphere. These pollutants can react with sunlight to create more smog, a big problem during the sunniest summer months.
Growing all that corn to make the fuel can also add to greenhouse gas emissions.
The EPA”will work with states across the country to ensure there are no significant air quality impacts during the summer driving season“says a White House fact sheet.
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Supporters of E15 have argued for years that the fuel is not significantly worse for air quality than other gasoline blends. Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have recently introduced bills that would lift restrictions on E15.
The alleged cost savings with the E15 is also up for debate. White House fact sheet says E15 can save consumers 10 cents per gallon of gasolineon average.
But even if it’s cheaper ethanol has about a third less energy than gasoline. So the costs at the pump have to be low enough to compensate for the slight loss in fuel efficiency that a higher proportion of ethanol in the fuel brings.
For now, the E15 is not very popular in America. It is only sold in 2,300 gas stations in 30 states.. But that could start to change.
George is Digismak’s reported cum editor with 13 years of experience in Journalism