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Using ethanol one way to help clear the airNebraska There are many things people do every day to help improve the environment, like recycling, using compact florescent light bulbs, buying Energy Star appliances, planting shade trees--and using ethanol-blended gasoline. "Somewhat lost in all the discussion on ethanol in the past year are the benefits it provides to the environment," said Randy Klein, director of market development for the Nebraska Corn Board. "Ethanol is simply one of the best tools we have to reduce air pollution from vehicles. This makes sense because ethanol contains oxygen, which helps the fuel burn better and reduce emissions." Ethanol reduces tailpipe carbon monoxide emissions as much as 30 percent and toxics by about 13 percent. It also cuts fine particulate matter emissions in half. All of these things contribute to smog and polluted air. "Using a 10 percent ethanol blend, which is available at most gas stations in Nebraska, reduces greenhouse gas emissions 18-29 percent compared with regular gasoline," Klein said. In 2006 alone, the use of renewable ethanol reduced carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions by about 8 million tons. "That's like taking more than 1.21 million cars off the road," Klein said. "With expanded ethanol use in 2007 and again this year, that number will only increase." Alternatively, he said, if five million flexible fuel vehicles burn E85 (85 percent ethanol, 15 percent gasoline) instead of regular gasoline, total carbon dioxide emissions would be reduced by 20 million tons per year. "That's like shutting down five 500-megawatt coal fired power plants," Klein said. A new study by the Environmental Protection Agency has also shown that using corn ethanol in gasoline helps clear the air, ground and water. The EPA study looked at the success of clean-fuels programs implemented by the agency, including replacing MTBE (methyl tertiary butyl ether) with ethanol. MTBE has been a cause for concern because of groundwater contamination. According to the study, these programs exceeded expectations in reducing ozone pollutants and air toxics, such as benzene. And the research found that emission reductions were often significantly greater than regulatory requirements. "The recent EPA research, like a lot of research before it, shows that using ethanol is a great way to help the environment," Klein said. "So, not only does ethanol improve our energy security and support rural communities, but it improves our environment, too." The Nebraska Corn Board is a self-help program, funded and managed by Nebraska corn farmers. Producers invest in the program at a rate of 1/4 of a cent per bushel of corn sold. Nebraska corn checkoff funds are invested in programs of market development, research and education. 3/17/08 Date: 3/6/08
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