API poll: 77 percent of U.S. voters wary of boosting ethanol levels in fuel

A recent American Petroleum Institute poll, conducted by Harris Poll, found that 77 percent of registered voters are concerned that increasing ethanol blends could result in higher consumer costs for gasoline and reductions in the country’s fuel supplies.

“Across the political spectrum, voters are concerned about the significant damage the RFS mandate and higher ethanol blends could cause to automobiles, motorcycles and almost every type of gasoline-powered engine," API Downstream Group Director Frank Macchiarola said. “Regardless of their party affiliation, voters are concerned with mandates that try to force too much ethanol into our fuel supply."

Seventy-seven percent of registered voters also were concerned by the possibility that auto manufacturers may not cover damage to engines fueled with ethanol fuel blends above 10 percent, which several auto makers have confirmed they are considering. Furthermore, 76 percent of those polled were concerned that a higher proportion of corn going toward energy production could result in increased food costs globally.

“We’ll use this poll to remind candidates, members of Congress and the administration that American voters are very concerned about the costs and consequences of this unworkable and unnecessary mandate,” Macchiarola said. “It’s past time for Congress to repeal or significantly reform this program.”