An unlikely coalition of interests is opposing the idea of raising the amount of ethanol in gasoline as a way of boosting the market for the fuel. "Automakers, makers of outdoor equipment and some environmentalists - oppose allowing gasoline with 15 or 20 percent ethanol," reports Philip Brasher of The Des Moines Register. Even some in the ethanol industry see the plan as impractical because it would raise the ethanol limit in some but not all cars.
"Under a proposal being studied by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the higher blend would not be allowed for use in models more than a few years old or in equipment such as chain saws or lawnmowers, because of questions about whether they would be harmed by the higher ethanol content," writes Brasher. EPA has said that it will take considerable time and research to determine what effect higher levels of ethanol will have on all vehicles.
Car makers, engine manufacturers, oil refiners, environmental groups and the American Lung Association have warned the EPA and Congress against relaxing restrictions on ethanol without extensive research amongst fears that it will increase air pollution and damage car engines. But raising the limit could be a temporary fix for the ethanol industry whose struggles have been well documented since gas prices began falling. (Read more)
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