The Power of Corn Compels You

The US government lifts a seasonal ban on corn-based fuel.

Eight states will now have a year-round access to gasoline blended with 15% ethanol after the Environmental Protection Agency scrapped a policy blocking summertime sales of the fuel called E15. The federal agency decided to permanently remove the regulations after several governors petitioned the EPA for unrestricted sales of the blended fuel throughout the year.

In the past the EPA shut down sales of E15 during the warmer months over concerns it contributed to smog in hot weather but EPA officials now say the higher ethnol blend may actually lead to a small decrease in some emissions that cause smog. Proponents of the EPA’s decision to keep the blended gasoline flowing all year say the increased supply would help lower prices at the pump because it would expand the amount of available fuel and help farmers.

However critics of the move to ditch the ban, including those in the refining industry, have voiced concerns saying the piece- meal approach could lead to distribution challenges.

The EPA’s new policy is set to take effect this year.