The Environmental Protection Agency has announced it would allow gas stations to continue selling slightly cheaper E15 this summer in a move that may be good for drivers and corn growers but will likely contribute to air pollution

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday that it would temporarily allow widespread sales of a higher ethanol gas blend in a move that they hope will tamp down consumer prices that have soared since the Iran war began.

The sale of E15 is typically discontinued in the summer because it can contribute to harmful air pollution.

Not all are convinced the move will substantially lower gas prices. E15 isn’t available in all states and some places don’t have the necessary infrastructure or enough of a supply of ethanol to ramp up use, said Kenneth Gillingham, a professor at the Yale School of the Environment who studies the impacts of transportation regulations on prices, emissions and consumer welfare.

  • RamRabbit
    31·
    3 days ago

    E15 is perfectly safe for any car made after 2010. There is a reason it is widely offered in many states.

    E15 is also significantly cheaper, like $0.30/gal cheaper. I pretty much only fill up at stations that have it.

    • sem@piefed.blahaj.zoneEnglish
      6·
      3 days ago

      My car was made before that and I want it to keep going as long as possible. It has great gas mileage and very few problems.

      • village604@adultswim.fanEnglish
        1·
        3 days ago

        It’s more about the computer adjusting how the engine operates than anything. Most newer vehicles can detect a change in the Octane levels and adjust themselves.

        But seals getting eaten by ethanol and the ethanol gunking up the engine is still a concern, especially if you have a carburetor.

        • YellowParenti@lemmy.wtfEnglish
          2·
          2 days ago

          I just bought a motorcycle with carbs. Got it at a discount because of needing a new battery, rust and gunked up gas tank, and “I’m tired of cleaning the fucking carbs if I don’t ride often enough.”

          Which means I have to remember to close the petcock and drain the carbs if I’m going to let it sit for a few weeks just in case. I’m sure there’s an additive thar helps with that.