WASHINGTON - America's drivers could be pumping more ethanol into their cars by 2013, if Gov. Tim Pawlenty has anything to say about it.
The performance of vehicles using E20 -- fuel that is 20 percent ethanol -- is comparable to that of vehicles using the current standard blend of E10, according to a year-long study at two Minnesota universities.
Armed with the new findings, the state and the Renewable Fuels Association will lobby the federal government to commission its own research in hopes of permitting the use of E20 nationwide. Proponents believe it would help move the nation toward energy independence
Pawlenty will announce the results today at a renewable energy conference in Washington, further emphasizing his own and his state's commitment to alternative energy.
"Using homegrown renewable fuel is an important part of Americanizing our energy future and unhooking our country from foreign sources of oil," Pawlenty said in a statement. "We're proud that Minnesota is helping lead the nation to a cleaner, more secure energy future and we're hopeful that other states will continue to join with us in this effort."
But not everyone is sold on more ethanol in fuel. Some manufacturers of boat and other two-cycle engines say that it shortens the life of an engine.
"It causes them to run hotter, which shortens their life," said Bob Adriance, technical director of Boat US, a national organization of boat owners.
E20 in Minnesota
State law requires that by August 2013 all gas sold in the Minnesota be E20. Currently, it must be E10. Nevertheless, the state will need approval from the federal Environmental Protection Agency.
The state contracted with the University of Minnesota and Minnesota State University Mankato to test the drivability and durability of several vehicles running on ordinary gasoline and E20.
The results came back with "no showstoppers," said Gene Hugoson, commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Agriculture. According to the report, "... there are no issues that would prevent moving forward with the comprehensive testing required to certify E20 as a federally approved motor fuel."
The estimated cost of the study is $500,000, paid for by the state, the Renewable Fuels Association, the Council of Great Lakes Governors, and the Minnesota Corn Growers Association.
Still, not everyone is thrilled about ethanol, let alone increasing the amount in fuel.
Under the current E10 mandate, Minnesota boaters and others concerned about the possible effect of the blend can buy nonethanol-blended fuel at some gas stations and marinas in the state. Hugoson said that this provision would remain intact should E20 become available.
National presence
Pawlenty's unveiling of the study results is his latest foray as an ever-more energetic proponent of alternative energy. A week ago he was leading the National Governors Association's winter meeting in Washington, where the focus was on energy independence and curbing the effects of climate change at the state level.
Some political analysts see a connection between such national activities and speculation that Pawlenty could be under consideration as a running mate for Republican presidential candidate John McCain.
"What this means is that particularly when he goes outside of Minnesota and is in the nation's capital that he is going to receive more attention," said Joseph Peschek, professor of political science at Hamline University. "He is getting more national attention. ... He definitely seems to be on the short list."
Conrad Wilson • 202-408-2723
