The Ethanol Papers - Paperturn manuscript - Flipbook - Page 370
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In both of the stories, Jay expresses a favorable opinion of the advantages of
high-level ethanol-gasoline blends versus gasoline without ethanol or even just
E10 gasoline (10% ethanol/90% gasoline). Among other benefits, Jay cites ethanol's higher octane rating, cooler operating engine temperatures, lower harmful emissions, and ethanol's engine cleaning characteristics that leave behind
no nasty gasoline residue and gunk that clog key engine components, such as
pistons and valves.
Well, a few days ago, it was brought to my attention that Jay has authored a
new story that appeared in the March 2 edition of AutoWeek magazine. The
article, titled "Can't We Just Get Rid Of Ethanol?" basically proposes that the
United States end the "Renewable Fuel Standard" (RFS) because of issues
related to the use of ethanol fuels in older vehicles. At the close of the story,
Jay exhorts readers and automobile enthusiasts to write to their legislators to
demand action against ethanol.
Clearly, there is a difference between old cars and new cars, that is to say,
"classics" and "antiques," and late-model vehicles - like those that make up the
overwhelming majority of vehicles on the road today. Therefore, it is understandable for Jay to express two different opinions about ethanol as it pertains
to old cars versus new cars.
(For those of you keeping score at home, the average age of all cars and trucks
on the road in America is only about 10 years. Keep in mind that since the early
1990's all gasoline-powered passenger cars and trucks manufactured for
