Farmers Win in EPA Ruling on Clean Gas

As a dramatic transformation looms in the composition of gasoline used by millions of American drivers in the most polluted U.S. cities--including Los Angeles--the Clinton Administration Thursday announced that nearly one-third of that new gasoline must contain additives, such as grain alcohol, that are derived from corn or other renewable sources.

The rule, announced by Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Carol M. Browner, takes effect in January. Amendments to the Clean Air Act require that by that date, gasoline sold in the nation’s nine smoggiest cities must contain at least 2% oxygen by weight to promote cleaner burning.

For years, regulators have debated what sorts of such oxygen-bearing additives--”oxygenates”--should be used and what percentage of them should be from renewable sources. Thursday’s ruling calls for at least 15% of oxygenates to come from renewable sources during 1995.

Because the principal renewable source available now in mass quantity is ethanol derived from corn, the ruling constitutes a major victory for agricultural interests. President Clinton had pledged during the 1992 presidential campaign to press for expanded use of ethanol in auto fuels.

“The Clinton Administration has a longstanding commitment to developing renewable fuels made from corn, grain and other sources of energy,” Browner said.

The ruling will boost corn demand by 250 million bushels a year and bring at least $250 million in additional annual income to farmers, the Administration said.