DES MOINES, Iowa (WOI() – Iowa experts weigh in on the environmental impacts of E15 fuel, after President Biden allowed the sales to continue this summer.
E15 is generally banned between June 1 and Sept. 15, due to pollution concerns.
Advocates, such as Seth Harder (CEO of Lincolnway Energy), say ethanol is a cleaner option to petroleum gas.
We know that things are changing and 97 per cent of world’s climatologists believe we must do something now. Harder stated. It is worth attempting to reduce greenhouse gases in the country in any way possible.
One study showed that ethanol can be used instead of petroleum to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 40%.
Critics say that the increased sales are a step backwards. According to the U.S. energy administration, increased E15 consumption in vehicles has been linked with higher levels of smog during the summer months.
Experts believe this could lead to airway damage and extra struggles for people with conditions such as asthma.
We know that any expansion or extension of this industry has negative impacts on our air quality and water quality, stated Jessica Mazour, Sierra Club of Iowa conservation program coordinator.
According to the White House the EPA will be working with states this summer to reduce air quality impacts.
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