Beyond the lower energy content of ethanol, readers should also consider the use of oil in creating and transporting the ethanol (almost equaling what is being "saved") in addition to the financial ramifications - ethanol is artificially driving up the cost of corn (good for corn farmers, bad for anyone with livestock to feed - and bad for a good portion of the third world who relies on corn as a major food staple). Increased ethanol use had increased US and global food prices about 3-5% in the last year alone (per the EPA) - not great for inflation in our already precarious economic position.

Ethanol is less efficient, more costly in the long run (you might save a few cents at the pump, but you should since you won't get as far; plus, the rising price of food), and doesn't really get us anywhere in our energy crisis.

I urge you to boycott gas stations that use ethanol - if you can find any that don't (many states have mandated the use of ethanol and are seeking to increase its use).

In addition, please support your community leaders and politicians who are seeking real answers to our energy crisis - new sources of energy, and new ways to use "old" energy sources more efficiently!