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