More Ethanol Coming to a Pump Near You

Do you love putting corn-derived fuel in your gas tank? If so, get excited, because President Trump reportedly has ordered the Environmental Protection Agency to start working on a way to offer E15 all year, according to the Des Moines Register.

Currently in the U.S., E10 is the standard for corn-infused gasoline. Only at very specific times can E15 be sold, with the EPA is regulating its distribution heavily.

Corn farmers are excited about this change, because it means their crops will be in higher demand. The EPA likes it since the shift would lower emissions, something clean air groups also want to see happen. Naturally, the oil industry isn’t excited.

Then there’s the fact that E15 could damage older engines and fuel systems. Plenty of automakers have stated that using E15 would void the warranty of specific cars, thanks to the corrosive nature of the stuff. Those threats have ceased more recently, but that doesn’t mean the risks aren’t there. Ford told the Des Moines Register that its vehicles built since 2013 can handle E15.

Let’s just say the use of ethanol in gas is controversial, and Trump has thrown a match on the kindling.