Higher Ethanol Gas Options for Minnesota

Higher Ethanol Gas Options

Ethanol is a fuel additive that has become fairly common as a substitute added to most gasoline around the country. There are several reasons why substituting ethanol into gasoline at different levels can be very beneficial. The benefits vary, depending on what your overall focus is for the environment and how it effects different industries.

There are purposes behind why and how much ethanol should be used, varying between the oil industry and the farming industry. Environmentalists also make a valid argument as to why ethanol should be used with gasoline.

Overall, ethanol can be extremely valuable for fighting air pollution, lowering toxins emitted, and helping the environment. The use of ethanol has grown in several areas of the country over time. Some states, such as Minnesota, have seen positive changes due to the increase of ethanol production.

What is Ethanol?    

Ethanol is an additive to gasoline that substitutes some of the gasoline out of the overall mix you put in your vehicle. It is generally made mostly out of corn. Ethanol is considered a grain alcohol produced from plants. Using this in gasoline lowers the amount of petroleum-based gas that we use on a daily basis, which has seen encouraging effects.

Most gas that you find at the gas station contains at least 10 percent ethanol in it, depending on your region. A big reason for this is because of the demand for cleaner and more affordable fuel.

Gasoline that has 10 percent gasoline in it is referred to as E10. The amounts of ethanol content can be higher, up to 85 percent total. This is referred to as E85, which means there is only 15 percent gasoline. All vehicles made can use at least 10 percent ethanol. There are specific cars which were produced in 2001 and on that can use E15, which are light-duty vehicles. The only vehicles that can use a high level  E85 are flex-fuel cars, which were made more recently.

It is known that using ethanol in your gas has a negative effect of lowering your gas mileage, but there are many more positive effects. One of these is the lowering of gas costs, typically more than one dollar a gallon, which can make it worthwhile for those who prefer a budget-friendly option.

Ethanol Effects on the Environment and Farming Industry

The most common reason for the use of ethanol is the effects it has on the environment. One of the biggest reasons is that it lowers tailpipe emissions, which can have a dramatic rise in air pollution. Using more ethanol lowers the amount of toxins that gasoline produces, making the air cleaner. Ethanol is known to be non-toxic, biodegradable, and contains 35 percent oxygen.

What makes ethanol so useful is that it’s a renewable energy source produced from plants, as opposed to gasoline, which is petroleum-based fossil fuel. These fuels produce a large amount of carbon dioxide, making them more harmful. Another reassuring improvement for ethanol is the increase in production efficiency, where it uses less gas during the process and actually raises the amount of energy that it provides versus what it takes to produce it.

The farming industry is also affected by the production of ethanol. Since it is made mostly out of corn, it requires more crops to be grown. However, it is a fact that only one third of a bushel of corn is used when producing it. The other two thirds is used to make a high protein grain, which can be used for feeding livestock called Distillers Dried Grain. This is important for farmers because it allows the demand of corn to be grown closer to home, which can be very beneficial for states like Minnesota.

Ethanol Production in Minnesota

Raising the use of ethanol has had a very encouraging effect on Minnesota’s economy. Ethanol is renewable and is being produced locally in the state, which creates more jobs nearby. The industry of creating ethanol generates billions, improving the overall economic impact on the state itself. The amount of money that an ethanol plant spends each year is mostly reinvested in local suppliers having a significant impact.

Minnesota has been a leader in this industry for decades. The state was the first to require gasoline have at least 10 percent ethanol included in it. Minnesota was also one of the first to add blender pumps locally at gas stations to produce this type of gasoline to consumers. Minnesota took the lead for requirements of ethanol in the 1980s.  Overall, the sales of this fuel has seen improvement on local farms and families in substantial ways.

There have been several laws put in place in Minnesota surrounding the supply and demand of ethanol. Many tax credits have been put in place for several, including blenders, to lower the state fuel tax liability. There has even been a fund put in place to pay owners of ethanol plants on each gallon produced. It is also known that funds have been placed to educate Minnesota’s public about the benefits from this type of fuel mandated by the state to increase the overall production of ethanol.

If you are looking to learn more about ethanol fuels or to increase your vehicle’s overall fuel efficiency, Schedule an Appointment today with an AAMCO Minnesota location near you. Visit your local AAMCO Minnesota for all your Transmission Repair needs and a FREE diagnostic test.

The information contained in this website, or any of our content, videos, and publications is for general information purposes only. Learn more about our information disclaimer »