E85 Overview
E85: Environmental Benefits As time goes on, it becomes more difficult to dispute the fact that global warming is a legitimate and immediate concern. It is also widely accepted that carbon dioxide emissions, which are largely a result of fossil fuel consumption, are increasing global warming and its frightening effects. Because of this, great efforts are being made to find alternative energy sources that are less harmful to the environment.
E85, which is fuel made of 85% ethanol and 15% petroleum, shows great potential as an alternative fuel. Not only is E85 domestically produced and completely renewable, but it is also an environmentally friendly source of energy.
#1- E85 Lowers Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Greenhouse gas emissions are believed to be one of the major culprits behind global warming, and automobiles are a significant contributor to the total emissions released into the environment. According to the American Lung Association, using E85 instead of regular petroleum will lower your vehicle’s greenhouse gas emissions by up to an incredible 30%.
#2-E85 Reduces Ozone Forming Pollutants Ozone is a gas that occurs naturally in the upper levels of our atmosphere. However, when it forms at lower elevations, it can have serious impacts on human health. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, inhaling ozone can aggravate asthma, cause breathing difficulties, and may even cause permanent lung damage over time. Nitrous oxide and volatile organic compounds, both of which are released by gasoline powered cars, contribute to the development of ground level ozone. According to the American Lung Association, using E85 to power your vehicle can reduce these emissions by up to 20%.
#3-E85 is Less Toxic
Some of the many harmful compounds founds in petroleum are benzene and xylene. Benzene is a known carcinogen, while zylene can affect brain function. Because of the harmful nature of petroleum compounds, being exposed to them is of great concern. Exposure could occur when fumes are inhaled when you fill your car with gas. A greater concern, however, is that huge accidental gas spills could release these substances into the environment on a large scale. Because E85 consists of only 15% petroleum, the potential for environmental damage is lessened.
#4-E85 Degrades Quickly in Water
In the United States, gasoline leaking from underground storage tanks is a genuine problem. Because so many Americans depend on groundwater as a drinking source, the risk of consuming water contaminated with gasoline is substantial. Large oil and petroleum spills in oceans and lakes can also harm wildlife and even entire ecosystems. Furthermore, cleaning up large spills is a time-consuming and difficult endeavor. Unlike gasoline, E85 degrades quickly in water. This not only cuts down on costly clean up projects, but also reduces the risk to people and wildlife.
#5-E85 Doesn’t Have to Travel as Far
Most oil used in the United States is imported from other areas of the world. Along with the costs to transport this oil such great distances, the trip also involves using fossil fuels. The freightliners and transport trucks delivering the oil are burning fuel while they travel. Because ethanol is produced domestically, it has a shorter distance to travel before it reaches the pumps, which aids in reducing emissions.
Sources:
American Lung Associationhttp://www.cleanairchoice.org/outdoor/E85background.asp Environmental Protection Agency
http://www.epa.gov/airnow/health/smog.pdf