rebs

I found one gas station in my area that sells gas without Ethanol (Phillips 66, which is a top-tier fuel).

Since it seems like any (positive) environmental effects of ethanol are counter-productive considering the production cost, and the fact most people get less MPG I was thinking of switching to fuel without ethanol.

Also, earlier today I also found this article where a bunch of police cars in Baltimore also broke down because of too much ethanol: http://wjz.com/local/ethanol.car.city.2.1202248.html

Anyone have any thoughts on this topic and/or want to make a strong case for Ethanol? ...because right now I'm leaning towards dumping ethanol for good.

juicybusa

Are gasoline oxygenators not required in your area? Since the discovery that the other common oxygenator MTBE is a proven carcinogen, it has to the best of my knowledge been discontinued nationwide. I'd be interested to know what oxygenating component Phillips is utilizing.

triple_c

if i could easily find gas without ethanol, i'd use it in a heartbeat. however, i'd be more worried about what they are using to oxygenate the gas if they aren't using ethanol. one of the reasons why gas companies switched to ethanol in the first place was because mtbe was found leeching into groundwater (makes drinking water taste like crap). the whole environmentally friendly argument behind ethanol is hogwash, but it seems like most people are believing in it.

triple_c

to this day, MTBE is still classified as a non-carcinogen. at high doses, it does cause non-cancerous health risks, but nobody has proven MTBE causes cancer.

juicybusa

Thanks for that info- Several articles I've read in the past that I errantly assumed were authoratative apparently were not. With that said, is MTBE still commonly used as an oxygenator?

triple_c

It might still be used here and there, but so many lawsuits have been filed over MTBE use that if it still is being used, it won't be for long. Ethanol runs the show now. I honestly would not be surprised though if you were right and MTBE is found to be carcinogenic.

rebs

I know Idaho doesn't require E10, and there is a growing movement against ethanol online. However, I'm not sure if federal or state guidelines require oxygenation. I'll have to call around and see what I can find out.

I'm not sure about MTBE. I know the WHO has said it's *not* a human carcinogen, and supposedly long term exposure *may* cause "non-cancer-related health risks". Seriously though what are people doing with the stuff drinking it? I mean I understand the concerns if it leaks into the drinking supply, but there are several ingredients in gasoline that are considered dangerous if ingested.

The G Man

DEP requires oxygenation in gas only in densely populated areas, Idaho is not one of them.

kickin8

iTrader: (1)

they mix with no more than 10% ethanol for winter times <-- that's what I know ? Correct me if I am wrong....

rebs

I'm under the impression 10% is the standard, but ag is pushing for 15%.

Faymester

I would LOVE to find gas w.o ethanol ... I would be so all over that.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

way to go for ethanol stupidity.

nthach

California is running E10-E20 year round. It doesn't do jack for emissions IMO.

And why are the Baltimore cop cars breaking down so fast, I'm under the impression the P71/P72 Crown Vic is E85 capable - or at least the 2009/2010 revisions which are badged as FFVs.

4TehNguyen

iTrader: (1)

how do you guys feel about your tax dollars subsidizing corn which then goes to making ethanol which has big environmental and energy balance issues.

The G Man

It is still better than funding the terrorist.