EPA Plans to Start Diluting Gasoline This May
a day ago
- #E15-gasoline-waiver
- #ethanol-fuel-impact
- #EPA-regulations
- The EPA approved a nationwide E15 waiver from May 1 to May 20, allowing gasoline to be blended with 15% ethanol to lower fuel costs, citing a 'National Energy Emergency' due to conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine.
- E15 is cheaper than standard E10 gasoline but reduces engine power and fuel economy by 1.5% to 2%, and it can increase smog in summer due to higher ethanol evaporation rates.
- Most vehicles made after 2001 can safely use E15, but older vehicles and small engines (e.g., mowers, boats) may experience damage from ethanol's solvent properties and water absorption.
- E15 is often marketed as 'Unleaded 88' (referring to octane), and the waiver temporarily overrides state-specific 'boutique fuel' regulations to create a single national gasoline pool.
- Ethanol in gasoline helps lower prices and reduce carbon monoxide emissions, but it has 33% less energy than gasoline, leading to decreased fuel efficiency and potential engine issues in high-performance or older models.