Fact #351: December 20, 2004
Gasohol Use Is Up
Gasohol, a blend of fuel containing gasoline and 5.7–10% ethanol, has a growing market in the United States due at least in part to the recent banning of methyl tertiary butyl ether (MTBE). MTBE, which is used as an oxygen enhancer for gasoline, has been banned in at least 17 states because of its adverse environmental impacts on water quality. Ethanol is replacing MTBE as an oxygenate; thus, more gasohol is being used.
U.S. Gasohol Use, 1980–2003
Supporting Information
| Billion gallons | |
|---|---|
| 1980 | 0.5 |
| 1981 | 0.7 |
| 1982 | 2.3 |
| 1983 | 4.3 |
| 1984 | 5.4 |
| 1985 | 8.0 |
| 1986 | 8.1 |
| 1987 | 6.9 |
| 1988 | 8.1 |
| 1989 | 6.9 |
| 1990 | 7.5 |
| 1991 | 8.6 |
| 1992 | 8.8 |
| 1993 | 10.3 |
| 1994 | 11.0 |
| 1995 | 13.1 |
| 1996 | 12.1 |
| 1997 | 14.7 |
| 1998 | 14.0 |
| 1999 | 14.2 |
| 2000 | 16.3 |
| 2001 | 17.4 |
| 2002 | 21.0 |
| 2003 | 32.5 |
|
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration, Highway Statistics 2004, Table MF-33E, and historical Highway Statistics reports. | |