US Permits More Ethanol in Motor Fuel

Topics:  Ethanol

VOA Breaking News (Voice of America)
October 13, 2010 at 6:55 pm

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says it will permit energy companies to put more ethanol in gasoline.

U.S. ethanol is made mostly from corn grown within the United States, reducing the need for imported oil and giving an economic boost to corn growers and ethanol producers.

Previously, motor fuel could contain only 10 percent ethanol, but the change raises that to 15 percent.

The EPA says testing shows the higher concentration of corn-based alcohol will not hurt vehicles made after 2007. Further testing may clear the fuel for use in 2001-2006 models.

But some car makers, food companies, and environmentalists opposed the new rule.

Auto makers worry that alcohol might hurt some fuel lines. Food companies and environmentalists say using more ethanol for fuel could raise corn prices and the overall cost of food.

Some information in this story was provided by AP and Bloomberg.