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      05-07-2011, 09:12 PM   #29
MikeTerp
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Drives: 2016 F30/340
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Lotus7 View Post
Don't be surprised to see those stickers being quietly replaced with ones that say: "Contains up to 15% ethanol" soon. On Oct. 13, 2010 the EPA caved in to lobbing pressure from a major US ethanol lobbying group "Growth Energy" to allow all pump gasoline to be diluted by up to 15% with ethanol. This was passed quickly, with little debate even though there was strong opposition from the auto industry. The auto industry has warned that a 15% blend may cause problems with fuel system components for any vehicle built before 2001, and should never be used for industrial and small engine applications.

FYI - The actual amount of energy you purchase in a gallon of fuel:
Diesel: 130,000 Btu/gal
Gasoline: 115,000 Btu/gal.
Gasoline/ethanol(10%) blend: 111,070 Btu/gal.
Gasoline/ethanol (15%) blend: 109,105 Btu/gal.

Current (Gasoline/ 10% ethanol) blends typically yield a 4 to 5% reduction in gas mileage compared to pure gasoline. The new “ 15% blend” will reduce mileage by approximately 6% minimum.

The major contributor to the “Growth Energy” lobby is Archer Daniels Midland Co. The day after the ethanol regulations were changed to 15% ADM stock rose 2%. Coincidentally, exactly the same percentage that the new (15%) blend will cost consumers in the U.S. because of the reduced gas mileage they will be seeing.
Thanks for posting this. Congressmen (of both parties) receiving massive campaign contributions, are the biggest single reason for the creeping increase in ethanol requirements in our fuel, which is mostly derived from corn - a food used in many products thereby increasing those prices. The environmental benefit is dubious at best, but the pockets of Big Agra are certainly being lined.
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