Over the years CharlestonFishing.Com has put together multiple articles and hosted countless hot discussions on the detrimental effects of E10 fuel in marine applications. As recently as last year we bought you updates on the possibilities of E15 entering the market. Fortunately the E15 was shot down or at least postponed as many groups including Boat US made a stand stating that there was not significant data to prove compatibility with many engines.
Even though many of us are still running around town in our large SUVs and full size trucks fuel consumption has dropped significantly in the US over the past year. With a reduction of several billion gallons the oil tycoons are up in arms. The oil industry is stating with less fuel sold overall as well as less petroleum needed with the mandated 10% ethanol blend their profits have taken a significant hit and keeping refineries up and running is going to be difficult moving forward.
The oilers claim that the ?environmental? benefits stated by the ethanol supporters are bogus as the intense farming techniques are more detrimental to the environment than the greenhouse gasses produced from pure gasoline. Oilers also claim corn for ethanol is waste of a valuable food resource and that corn for fuel is also driving up the cost of corn.
Ethanol supporters are stating the ethanol enhanced fuel cuts greenhouse gases by as much as 25%. The ethanol is said to be a renewable resource and that ethanol production has helped keep fuel prices in check since its introduction.
The oilers are currently pushing the legislators to lower the ethanol content and there are to be several hearings over the next several weeks. Stay tuned as lowering blends could help us all run less additives or eliminate the constant search for ethanol free fuel.
Tight lines?
Captain Tim Pickett
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