Lobby groups representing the ethanol industry appealed to the Obama administration on Friday to put more federal funding into supporting the industry and to increase the amount of ethanol allowed in gasoline blends to 15%. Currently, the limit stands at 10%.
According to this New York Times article, the ethanol industry is flagging amid the downturn in the economy, and supporters asked the government to up the ethanol-gas percentage as a means of allowing the industry to move forward and develop a greater domestic ethanol industry. Other supporters, including retired Army general Wesley Clark, made arguments in favor of the increase, citing the environmental gains of domestic ethanol production and the decreased cost and dependence on foreign oil.
Food producers are wary of what the increase will mean for the food supply. They claim a jump in ethanol inclusion in gasoline from 10% to 15% will further divert foodstuffs from human consumption and animal feed, as well as pushing the cost of food higher.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Energy Department have nine months to review the request, but may increase the cap to 12% or 13% before that deadline.
What effect do you think an increase in the limit of ethanol in gasoline blends will have on the food crisis?
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