Ethanol Facts: Environmental Benefits

Unlike petroleum-based fossil fuels that are in limited supply, ethanol is a renewable fuel made from plants we grow right here in America.

According to Argonne National Laboratory, the use of ethanol-blended fuels reduces greenhouse gas emissions by 12 to 19% compared to conventional gasoline. It is estimated that, during 2003, ethanol use in the U.S. reduced greenhouse gas emissions at a level equivalent to removing 853,000 cars from the nation’s highways.

Because ethanol contains oxygen and helps fuel combust more completely, the use of ethanol in automotive fuel:

• Reduces tailpipe carbon monoxide emissions by as much as 30%
• Reduces exhaust VOC emissions by 12%
• Reduces particulate emissions, especially fine particulates that are especially hazardous to children, seniors and those with respiratory disease