Ethanol savings extolled

ArgusLeader.com

Study says even E10 saves drivers 11.1 cents a gallon; stronger blends urged
Peter Harriman • pharrima@argusleader.com • July 21, 2008

To help make the case that ethanol-blended gasoline can save drivers money, the South Dakota Corn Utilization Council points to a study it commissioned that shows even the lowest percentage ethanol blend, E10, saved South Dakota drivers 11.1 cents per gallon at the pump from March 2007 to March '08.

The corn council wants to see pumps that offer gas blended with 15 percent to 30 percent ethanol become available nationwide. Except for a handful of pumps in South Dakota and a few other states, there is no opportunity for drivers to buy fuel between E10 and E85, the blend used by flexible-fuel vehicles.

"All we're asking for is access to the market," says Lisa Richardson, executive director of the South Dakota Corn Growers and corn council. "It doesn't have to be mandated access. All we want is for (consumers) to have a choice."

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