Union praises mid-range ethanol study

By Journal staff

The American Coalition for Ethanol released a study last week showing that blends of ethanol containing more ethanol than E10 but less than E85 — can provide better fuel economy than regular, unblended gasoline, even in non-flexible-fuel capable vehicles.

The study is drawing praise from various ag groups, including the South Dakota Farmers Union.

The study supports what some South Dakota consumers have already discovered with the implementation of ethanol blender pumps: non-flex-fuel vehicles are able to use the cost, fuel efficiency and environmental benefits of mid-range blends of ethanol, such as E20 or E30, with no adverse effects, according to a Farmers Union news release.

South Dakota’s blender pumps apparently have been popular with consumers; Sioux Valley Cooperative in Watertown reported the sale of 50,000 gallons of E30 in October.

The study suggests that, despite ethanol’s lower energy content, there may be an “optimum” mid-range blend of ethanol and gasoline — most likely E20 or E30 — that would provide better fuel economy than previously predicted, according to the news release. Three of the four vehicles tested in the ACE study got better gas mileage with a mid-level ethanol blend than on unblended gasoline, contrary to what ethanol’s energy content would predict.

In addition to the cost savings and improved fuel economy consumers get with mid-range blends, ethanol’s cleaner emissions increase with higher blends of ethanol, according to the study.

“ACE’s study brings to light what ethanol has in store for consumers, family farmers and the environment,” said Doug Sombke, SDFU president. “South Dakota’s blender pumps have really put ethanol use in the hands of the consumer. We’re lucky here — we can choose mid-range blends in order to utilize the results of this study. Other states can choose only between E10 and E85. I hope this study urges other states to install their own blender pumps and build on South Dakota’s success.”

ACE’s study highlights the need for an expanded national Renewable Fuels Standard, Sombke said.

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed its version of the energy bill, which included an RFS that would ensure minimum ethanol production of 9 billion gallons in 2008, increasing to 15 billion gallons in 2015. Fifteen billion gallons is about double the amount of ethanol currently produced in the United States.

The Senate is also considering a renewable fuels standard in its debate on the farm bill.

Sombke said the increased renewable fuels standard would benefit South Dakota agriculture.