When the whole ethanol boom started picking up steam a year ago, I viewed it with skepticism. But growing up in a state where ethanol was added to motor fuel as a means to reduce air pollution, I had already learned some of its other benefits. These include burns cleaner and works as antifreeze in fuel lines in colder weather. But some argue that vehicles do not get the same mileage with ethanol that they do with non-treated gasoline.

A Virginia Cooperative Extension report provides some interesting information about ethanol, although the data are only as recent as 2005. Despite the arguments for or against, ethanol is certainly welcome in my car today.