All articles tagged with #ethanol
Wild chimpanzees in Uganda and Côte d'Ivoire consume fermented fruit containing about 0.3% alcohol, which amounts to roughly two human cocktails per day, highlighting their natural exposure to alcohol through diet.
Ethanol has been used in gasoline for over a century, primarily to boost octane and reduce emissions, but its benefits and drawbacks are debated. While it can improve engine performance and environmental impact when used in small amounts, higher concentrations like E85 can cause engine issues, especially in older vehicles. Most modern cars are designed to run on a 10% ethanol blend, but the overall environmental and economic impacts of ethanol fuel remain contentious.
Brazil's government has approved increasing biofuel blends in gasoline and diesel, with ethanol rising to 30% and biodiesel to 15%, making the country gasoline self-sufficient for the first time in 15 years, boosting energy security and decarbonization efforts.
The EPA has allowed the nationwide sale of gasoline blended with 15% ethanol for the third consecutive summer, citing global conflicts impacting the fuel supply. The decision has been praised by the biofuels industry and politicians in Midwestern states, while environmentalists have raised concerns about increased carbon releases due to ethanol production. The waiver is temporary and aims to prevent fuel shortages and protect air quality amidst global conflicts.
The Biden administration is expected to ease seasonal restrictions on ethanol-gasoline blends, known as E15 gasoline, after the 2024 election, following a request from midwestern governors. This rule change could potentially spike gas prices, particularly in battleground states with large corn industries, but the administration aims to avoid the impact on the 2024 election. Top oil refiners have warned against the change, citing logistical complications and increased price risks, while the ethanol industry has lobbied for the expansion. The new rule change would only affect midwestern states, but there are calls for a country-wide expansion to mitigate refiners' concerns about area shortages.
The Biden administration is set to approve a request from Midwest governors to allow year-round sales of E15 gasoline, containing 15% ethanol, starting in 2025, a year later than initially proposed. This decision, likely influenced by the upcoming U.S. election, aims to address concerns from both the biofuel and oil industries. The move is controversial, with ethanol groups preferring a nationwide legislative fix, while oil refiners warn of logistical complications and fuel supply risks.
Sheetz, an operator of 670 gas stations in the mid-Atlantic, will sell unleaded 88 gasoline for $1.99 per gallon at its Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, Virginia, and West Virginia locations over the Thanksgiving weekend. The offer is valid until the end of Monday. However, only vehicles from 2001 and newer can use this type of gas, which is blended with 15% ethanol. While unleaded 88 may result in a 4%-5% drop in fuel economy compared to regular gas, the difference in efficiency is only around 1%-2% when compared to most gas sold in the U.S. Given the current gas prices averaging between $3.10 and $3.59 in the Mid-Atlantic, the discounted price is still worth considering.
Navigator CO2 Ventures has canceled its controversial carbon capture pipeline project, known as the Heartland Greenway, which would have spanned 1,300 miles across South Dakota, Nebraska, Iowa, Minnesota, and Illinois. The pipeline aimed to transport carbon dioxide emissions from over 20 industrial plants to an underground storage facility in Illinois. The decision to cancel the project was made due to financial considerations, disappointing customers and supporters. Similar projects are planned in other Midwest states, driven by federal tax credits and the potential to make ethanol more marketable in states with stricter air quality standards.
Engineers at Macquarie University have developed a new technique to manufacture nanosensors using a single drop of ethanol, significantly reducing carbon emissions, costs, and processing time. The conventional method involves heating materials to high temperatures, which can damage the sensors. The researchers found that adding ethanol to the sensor surface allows the nanoparticles to self-assemble and eliminate gaps, improving the efficiency and responsiveness of the sensors. This breakthrough has the potential to revolutionize the trillion-dollar nanosensor industry by expanding the range of materials that can be used and making the manufacturing process more efficient.
Former President Donald Trump declared himself "the most pro-farmer president in history" during a speech in Iowa, aiming to rally support from the agricultural sector. He criticized his top Republican rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, for lacking action on ethanol and warned that a DeSantis administration would be "catastrophic for Iowa's economy." Trump touted his accomplishments for farmers, including renegotiating trade deals and implementing tariffs on China. However, his relationship with farming and renewable fuel groups in Iowa has been contentious, with some criticizing his administration's waivers allowing oil refineries to opt out of blending ethanol and biodiesel into their fuel.
Former President Donald Trump criticized his top Republican rival, Governor Ron DeSantis of Florida, at a rally in Iowa, accusing him of being detrimental to the agriculture industry. Trump claimed that DeSantis would outsource farming jobs and oppose the federal mandate for ethanol, a significant issue in Iowa. DeSantis had previously supported legislation to end the renewable fuel standard, which requires blending biofuel into gasoline nationwide. Trump highlighted his own support for farmers and accused DeSantis of wanting to kill jobs supported by the vital industry. A spokesperson for DeSantis dismissed Trump's comments as distortions and affirmed DeSantis' commitment to championing farmers.
Former President Donald Trump criticized Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for his previous opposition to the Renewable Fuel Standard and support for efforts to eliminate it, highlighting their differences on ethanol policy. Trump's remarks come as he launched a "Farmers for Trump" coalition, touting his support for access to new markets for ethanol and promising to reverse the Biden administration's policies on Day 1. However, Trump's own record on biofuels during his time in office was mixed, with actions such as issuing waivers benefiting oil refineries and slashing demand for biofuels. Iowa voters, who see ethanol policy as a key issue, have shown openness to candidates with nuanced positions on the Renewable Fuel Standard.
Former President Donald Trump plans to hold his largest Iowa campaign event in months, where he will attack his top GOP rival, Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, for opposing the federal mandate for ethanol. Trump's spokesperson stated that DeSantis has problematic policy positions that hurt farmers and demonize ethanol. The event comes as the Republican presidential field spends significant time in Iowa, the leadoff GOP caucus state, with some candidates still portraying support for ethanol as a litmus test.
The Environmental Protection Agency has issued an emergency waiver allowing fuel stations to sell gasoline blended with 15% ethanol during the summer, which could reduce prices at the pump and boost demand for the Midwest-based ethanol industry. The EPA said its decision encourages U.S. energy independence and supports American agriculture and manufacturing. The American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers industry group questioned the move, pointing to data from the Energy Information Administration. Ethanol policy is especially important in the Midwest, where most of the roughly 200 renewable fuel plants are located.
Crews are working to extinguish the flames after a train carrying highly flammable ethanol derailed and caught fire in Raymond, Minnesota. Four of the 22 cars containing ethanol ruptured and caught fire, while other cars carrying the substance were also at risk of releasing the chemical. Homes within a half-mile of the derailment were evacuated, but the order was lifted later in the day. The US Environmental Protection Agency is monitoring the air for particulate matter and other compounds, noting there hasn’t been severe impact to the community so far.