Fossil fuel-based gasoline is the largest source of man-made carcinogens and the number one source of toxic emissions, according to the U.S. EPA. Ethanol is a renewable, environmentally friendly fuel that is inherently cleaner than gasoline. Ethanol reduces harmful tailpipe emissions of carbon monoxide, particulate matter, oxides of nitrogen, and other ozone-forming pollutants.
Ethanol is used in reformulated gasoline (RFG) as set out in the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990. This standard requires an oxygenate, like ethanol, to be added to gasoline to help it burn more completely. Reformulated gasoline is required in areas that violate carbon monoxide and/or ozone quality standards.
The use of ethanol-blended fuel helps reduce the environmental and economic impacts of gasoline consumption on our society.
Ethanol Clean Air Facts:
Ethanol blends are likely to reduce carbon monoxide emissions in vehicles by between 10% - 30%, depending upon the combustion technology. (U.S. EPA)
The American Lung Association of Metropolitan Chicago credits ethanol-blended fuel with reducing smog-forming emissions by 25% since 1990.
The use of 10% ethanol blends reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 12-19% compared to conventional gasoline. (Argonne National Lab)
In 2004, ethanol use in the U.S. reduced CO2-equivalent greenhouse gas emissions by approximately 7 million tons, equal to removing the emissions of more than 1 million cars from the road. (Argonne National Lab)
Research shows a 35-46% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions and a 50-60% reduction in fossil energy use due to the use of ethanol as a motor fuel. (Argonne National Lab)
Ethanol contains 35% oxygen, making it burn more cleanly and completely than gasoline.
E85 has the highest oxygen content of any fuel available, making it burn even more cleanly and even more completely than any other fuel.
E85 contains 80% fewer gum-forming compounds than gasoline.
Ethanol is highly biodegradable, making it safer for the environment.
Ethanol in the Energy Policy Act
The following is a reference taken from the signing of the Energy Policy Act by President George W. Bush:
"The bill also will lead to a greater diversity of fuels for cars and trucks. The bill includes tax incentives for producers of ethanol and biodiesel. The bill includes a flexible, cost-effective renewable fuel standard that will double the amount of ethanol and biodiesel in our fuel supply over the next seven years. Using ethanol and biodiesel will leave our air cleaner. And every time we use a home-grown fuel, particularly these, we're going to be helping our farmers, and at the same time, be less dependent on foreign sources of energy."
